We may have just entered into fall, but cool weather is here and winter is right around the corner. Winterizing your listing should be done before winter arrives, so your seller isn’t stuck outside in the cold trying to get it all done before the open houses begin! From simple things like bringing your plants inside to more complicated things like getting your heating system checked, here are some great tips to help your sellers get their home ready for the colder months before their home goes on the market. You can also check out our blog from last winter for even more tips for winterizing!

Tips for Winterizing Outdoors

Check the Gutters

It may seem like common sense to clean the gutters, but it’s more important to make sure they’re clean before the temperatures dip below freezing. If gutters are full of leaves and twigs, it can trap moisture and freeze which could cause damage to the home. It also may not seem likely, but potential buyers look at things like this not only for aesthetic value, for the potential of a long “to-do” list after purchasing. By simply making sure your gutters are free from any debris you can make sure you get to spring without any issues. Thefamilyhandyman.com has this informative article that teaches you more on how to prepare your gutters for winter as well as the dangers of not being prepared. 

Protect your Plants

Plants can be a wonderful addition to your patio or outdoor space, but many plants cannot withstand the colder temperatures. It’s important to know what plants you have and what kind of environments they live in so you know if they can ride out a cold winter. Any plants that need a  warm climate should be brought inside until the spring once it is warm enough. This is especially true if you’re staging a home – Plants breathe life into an open house.

Bring the Outdoors In

While some outdoor furniture is strong enough to sustain winter weather, some items may need to be brought inside for the duration of winter. Patio furniture that is more delicate and grills should be stored in a shed or garage if possible. This also helps exhibit how yoru potential buyer might store or keep their own outdoor elements and furniture if they buy your home. If you do not have an indoor space for storage, then you can purchase covers to protect them from the elements. Check out some of the top furniture covers of 2021 here brought to us by BobVila.com.

Tips for Winterizing Indoors

Check For Drafts & Get Draft Guards

Winterizing indoors starts with checking the home for drafts. If you have small leaks in windows or doors, it can mean not only feeling a chill throughout the winter but also an increase in your heating bill. Potential sources of drafts entering your home are door hinges, under door spaces, broken window seals, power outlets and other wall fittings. Commercially available draft guards are flexible pieces of foam that can slide in under your doors and windows, sealing them up so that no air can come in from the outside. This prevents your home from continually losing heat. When it comes to an open house on a cold wintery day, that draft coming under your front door might be just enough to turn off the next potential owner.

Stock Up On Essentials

The pandemic has made stocking up on essential items slightly more difficult. Depending on what area you’re in can make things even more difficult. You should stock up on weather essentials like snow shovels, ice melt, flashlights, batteries, and first aid kits in your home and car. Some indoor items to stock up on are foods that don’t require refrigeration and preparation (like nuts, granola bars, crackers), toilet paper, blankets and warm clothes. DirectEnergy.com has a great checklist of specific items that you should stock up on this winter.

Get Your Heating System Checked

The heating system could be the most important part of winterizing your home. A great place to start is by putting your system through a test run. Turn your thermostat up to a temperature that will ensure it to turn on. You should hear it kick on within a few moments, and hear the heat start to run through the house. If you find there is an issue, you can try to diagnose it yourself or you can call a heating company to help. Next you should check all the filters to make sure they are clean and installed properly. By running your system with dirty filters, it’s not only bad for your health but it can also make your system not run properly. You should also make sure you check all of your carbon monoxide detectors. Carbon monoxide is commonly called a ‘silent killer’ because it is odorless, but can easily be detected by making sure the batteries in your detectors are in working order.

Your HVAC systems are a huge component when buying and selling a home, and chances are good a potential buyer is going to have them inspected anyway. In the event that your home has furnace issues, it can detract from the interest someone may have to buy. 

In conclusion, it’s a great idea to start winterizing your home now before winter arrives, especially if you’re planning on putting it on the market in the next few months. By checking off one thing at a time, you’ll be ready for snow before you know it! Our team at UCBR strives to elevate the real estate industry by supporting our community and continuing education for professionals and their client base. Additionally, you can also find us on social media at the following: Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. Cheers!