Winters in Toronto and the GTA area don’t just bring snow with it but also a season full of buying and selling opportunities. Human beings are visual creatures, and we get attracted to what we see. So, if you want to acquire some great offers when selling your home this winter, it’s essential to prepare your home before listing.

1. First impression matters

You only get one first impression, so make it count by keeping the exterior appearing top notch. There may be grime that accumulated due to snow and ice, it’s recommended to clean the exterior, such as windows and siding before listing your property. Also, consider cleaning the front door and adding planters near the entrance.

2. Declutter, purge and depersonalize

Decluttering is a crucial step when listing your home. Begin packing! Only leave out the items that you use daily. Everything else can be packed away.

Remember the closets as well.  Buyers will open closets so they can determine the amount of storage in the home. Remove at least half of the contents of the closet to show buyers there’s plenty of room. You may also want to consider adding lights to the inside of the closets to make them look bigger

 3. Let there be light 

Lighting is one of the most important aspect when marketing your home. Brighten up your home in this dark winter. Regardless of the time of day, consider turning the lights on during showings. Make sure to replace any burned out bulbs. The home best shows with multiple layers of lighting, therefore, try to have multiple sources of lighting, such as natural light, floor lamps, table lamps and ceiling lights.

Use light coloured drapes and pull them back to let as much light in as possible. Also, leave your blinds/shutters open during showings.

4. Create a Cozy and inviting space by staging the home

Its no secret that a staged home sells faster and potentially for more money. Staging a home means highlighting your property’s best features. It shows much better in online photos compared to competing homes in the market. Staging also helps potential buyers envision themselves in the home and form an emotional connection. This helps you get the best price!

5. Keep the temperature up 

Keep in mind that you are selling an experience when you are selling your home. Even if no one’s living in the house, make sure the temperature is set to a comfortable level during showings.

While you may be tempted to wait until the last minute, taking a little time now can save you a lot of hassle and stress down the road. If you’re in need of some help getting your home ready for sale, our Home Staging Toronto experts are here to assist. Give us a call today—we would love to help get your home winter-ready