Article from the Mt Washington Valley Vibe Magazine

Written by Badger Peabody & Smith Realty agent Bernadette Donohue

Winter in New England often feels like a real-life Currier & Ives painting, with its typically snow-draped landscapes and romantic imagery of sledding, skiing, and ice skating. Sitting by a crackling fireplace while sipping on hot drinks is not only a wondrous reality in this part of the country but is part of the magic and beauty of the winter season. Once the festivities of the holidays wind down, the realities of a long and unpredictable winter begin to set in for property owners, including a new set of maintenance concerns and weather-related obstacles. It's no wonder that many homeowners, who are contemplating selling their property in the new year, will instinctively wait for the arrival of spring. Envisioning easier access, a lusher yard and colorful early blooms makes sense, however, waiting for spring to happen in the northern climates, can be an extended and unnecessary delay. Especially for those who want to quickly turn their page to the next chapter of their life.

For one thing, the allure of a home adorned in snow does have a charm all its own, but a winter sale can also be a practical and timely decision for many reasons that will benefit both the owner and the buyer.

One very notable advantage for sellers is the reduced competition of homes on the market. While many sellers are waiting for the warmer months to showcase their homes, a winter listing will capture the attention of eager buyers who have been patiently awaiting new inventory to hit the market. Some of these buyers have been in the buying mode and market for quite a while and because they may have missed other opportunities, they are ready, willing, and able to make their very best offer quickly. Because inventory is notoriously lower in the winter, buyers who are out there looking are usually very serious and often have an immediate need to fulfill.

The term" Sellers' Market" generally describes a market with less than five months of housing inventory. National news is beginning to highlight areas of the country where inventory has been increasing and reports are shifting towards it being more of a "Neutral" market, where inventory is more in balance with expectations. In this region, however, buyers are still buying, and inventory is still well below a 5-month supply. Despite the interest rate increases and some economic uncertainties, a savvy qualified buyer will plan to refinance when rates come down. In fact, many lenders are now offering excellent refinance programs along with their loans to help entice buyers not to wait to purchase at today's higher rates. Last year, even locally, we started seeing trends towards a more "normalized" and sustainable housing market vs the recent past, which was greatly affected by the covid/post covid chaos.

While in the past, buyers were much more hesitant to make an offer without seeing the ground under the snow, more and more buyers are realizing that the right home is worth this seasonal adventure. Especially if the homeowner can supply pictures of the grounds and gardens, sans snow. Since competition from other buyers is much lower in the winter months, it creates an opportunity for buyers to place and win the bid, with much less competition.

November through April can be an ideal window to show off homes with mountain views. Especially those with "seasonal views", which expand after the trees' foliage recedes. A winter landscape also has a magical way of showcasing other features of a home as well since the focus changes to above the snow. For instance, Buyers who want to walk the boundaries may find the colored blazes on the trees to be more easily found against the stark white contrast and without foliage in the way of visibility. If dressed warmly (and perhaps prepared with the right gear for deeper snow), a winter showing can be a fun adventure that will help buyers appreciate the outdoors.

During the winter, as shorter daylight means early darkness, having a pre-lit home will shine even more brightly. Additionally, it presents the home in its finest light (pun intended) and without the hassle of agents struggling to adjust lights or window treatments.

Once inside, the right atmosphere can make a big difference for both buyers and sellers. A simple welcome gesture like a pot of coffee, some baked goods, and a "help yourself" sign can invite visitors to linger longer. The aroma of freshly brewed coffee or the scent of cinnamon simmering on the stove, add to the overall enjoyment of a home tour just as a toasty wood stove or fireplace will enhance the experience. This attention to intentionally creating an inviting atmosphere adds a layer of care and connection that will enhance the house hunting experience with the warmth of hospitality, not soon forgotten on those chilly days.

It's essential however for property owners to ensure driveways are cleared and walkways are shoveled and sanded, guaranteeing safe access, especially if the property is vacant. While this task might be the most challenging aspect of a winter listing for a property owner, taking the responsibility to do so will significantly improve the showing outcome, for all. Providing shoe boots and/or a bench to remove winter boots when folks enter your home is a great way to keep your floors dry and clean. If you are not local and/or your property is empty, your agent should be willing to help set up a bench with a mat and supply you with some shoe booties. With a little extra preparation, a winter showing can maximize your home's winter ambiance with features like a lit fireplace or woodstove that a summer showing would not. Some folks will even leave their seasonal decorations up longer, inviting a festive mood which may serve to remind the prospective buyers of the many wonderful memories-in-the-making their new home will bring.

Selling a New England home in the colder months can become an opportunity to stand out in a market that traditionally doesn't awaken until the spring. Embrace the charm of the season, create a warm and inviting atmosphere and let the unique allure of your property shine through. With a seasoned professional by your side, selling your home during the winter months can become not just a smart strategy but a delightful experience for sellers and buyers alike.

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Bernadette Donohue, REALTOR® & Certified Residential Specialist, CRS.
Serving the real estate needs of NH and Maine, since 1985.

Learn more at Bernie