As everyone knows, spring is the most desirable time to put your house on the market as the weather seems to always cooperate and your landscaping’s appeal can be fully realized. But if you simply must list your home during the winter months, here are a few things that you can do to make the undertaking a little bit less challenging.  

1. Keep dead tree limbs picked up.
2. Keep driveway, steps and walkways plowed, shoveled and salted at all times.
3. Keep gutters clean - so no icicles can form.
4. Replace weather-stripping as needed to keep drafts away.
5. Keep all valves to outdoor spigots turned off to avoid burst pipes.
6. Holiday decorations should be put away as soon as possible.
7. Keeping a roaring fireplace during an open house this time of year is always a good thing.
8. Keep lists handy for all potential buyers of all of your home’s energy efficiencies, i.e. wrapped pipes, extra insulation, new windows, etc.
9. Keep all windows clean to let in as much light as possible. Remove all screens to storage and take down any heavy drapes. This will let in that extra light that so many potential buyers will be demanding this time of year.
10. Keep as many lights on as possible during showings. If you cannot be there, set lights on timers and add motion sensors to walkways. You may even consider installing motion detectors for walk-in closets.
11. Keep photos around your home showing the house in all seasons. A nice shot of your blooming flowers and lush green shrubs will help potential buyers understand what is under all of that snow!
12. Keep the indoor temperature at a comfortable setting.  You want potential buyers to linger and to see themselves relaxing at home.  A shivering buyer will be thinking more about getting back into a warm car than arranging their furniture in their new home.

Remember that home sales continue throughout the winter months...especially in Andover, North Andover and the rest of New England where winters are long and cold.  Buyers who are planning a move in the spring or summer months often begin their home search during the winter months so be prepared, follow these tips, and look for opportunities for selling your home during our New England winter.

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