Charter One Realty Blog

Chilly weather won't keep potential buyers from visiting your open house...especially in the Hilton Head and Bluffton area. Here are some tips to get buyers to show up to your open house and fall head over heels for your winter listing!

1. Market warmth. When advertising homes for sale, cater to the season. For example: in the cold winter months, feature a photo of that fireplace filled with a roaring fire, surrounded by cozy winter colors. No fireplace? Candles and other warm lighting can convey the same inviting feeling that will make buyers want to curl up in your house all winter.
2. Don’t forget about pathways. Clean and clear the path so it welcomes buyers as they approach. If ice is a possibility, be sure to purchase de-icing materials well before you open your house to potential buyers.
3. Add curb appeal. Even if gloomy weather makes landscaping a burden, you can attract buyers with a few simple touches. Place electric candles in windows, hang a wreath on the door and clean the yard of all debris.
4. Turn up the heat. People entering and exiting during an open house are sure to let the cold air from outside — and the last impression you want to give buyers is that the home is difficult to heat. So crank up the heat a few degrees before the open house starts and they’ll never want to go back out into the cold.
5. Offer hot drinks. Set out some hot drinks for buyers to sip on while touring the house. Coffee, cider, and hot chocolate are all good ways to make a buyer feel cozy in your home. Put out plenty of mugs or to-go cups, along with cream and sugar.