Winter selling in Martinsburg and Hagerstown presents some unique challenges that aren’t as critical for selling in other seasons.
Beyond the challenges of presenting your house in an appealing way during the winter, there are some functional matters you must see to – that is, some things you need to be sure are in tip-top shape.
6 Things You Need to Be Sure Are in Tip-Top Shape for Winter Selling in Martinsburg and Hagerstown
1. Price
Although the price may seem out of place among the things that follow, it does, nevertheless, need to be in tip-top shape for winter selling. Winter is a slower market for real estate than other seasons, so you may have to adjust your sale price accordingly. Sure, the asking price is nearly always lower than the actual sale price, but during the winter, you may have to reduce that difference.
2. Roof
With all the winter rain, snow, sleet, and ice the season bring, potential buyers, are going to be extremely roof-conscious. So for winter selling in Martinsburg and Hagerstown, you’ll definitely have to make sure the roof is in tip-top shape.
Snow and ice are worse culprits than rain when it comes to leaks. They sit on the roof for long periods and slowly melt where they meet the roof. Then if your roof is damaged or missing shingles anywhere, that slow melt-off gets under the shingles and works its way down and into the house. Any water stains on ceilings or walls will be a tip-off to buyers that the roof isn’t in tip-top shape.
3. Heating System
Also for winter selling in Martinsburg and Hagerstown, you’d better be sure the heating system is functioning at an optimal level. On those cold, blustery days, this is one thing buyers will be highly attuned to.
Replacing all old filters with new ones is a good first step. Then, because the heating system is one thing winter buyers will be certain to thoroughly check out, it might be a could idea to call in an HVAC professional to go over the system from top to bottom. Just don’t skimp here – it could mean the difference between closing or not.
4. Thermostat
While technically part of the heating system, many times sellers don’t even think about the thermostat when ensuring the heating system is in tip-top shape. Even if the heating system is working perfectly, a cheap or poorly working thermostat can make it seem otherwise.
For example, if the furnace seems to kick on and off too frequently, it could be a thermostat issue. Or if the house seems to get entirely too cold before the furnace comes on, a cheap or faulty thermostat could be the culprit. Again, a thermostat issue like this could be a red flag for buyers.
5. Outside Lighting
While not so important during milder seasons with longer days, outside lighting takes on a lot more importance for winter selling in Martinsburg and Hagerstown. Strategically placed and properly functioning outside lighting will not only display your house in the most appealing way but will ensure buyers’ safety as well. So check all those bulbs and make sure walkways and entry areas are well lit.
6. Gutters and Downspouts
As with the roof, winter buyers will keep a keen eye on these too. They will be looking for gutters clear of leaves, twigs, and other debris and with no tell-tale drips from the underside. They will also want to see downspouts freely draining the runoff from the roof.
Winter selling in Martinsburg and Hagerstown may take a little more preparation than summer selling, but it can still be done. You just have to make sure certain things are in tip-top shape.