Canadian weather can be nasty and unpredictable at this time of year, adding one more thing to worry about when potential buyers come to view your home. With a little planning, however, you can keep the path clear for offers, even in bad weather.
The first thing to ensure is that people can actually make their way into your house. That means good lighting, and continually shoveling and salting to keep your driveway and pathways clear of snow and ice. Liability is always a concern, so be extra vigilant with your clearing efforts at this time of year. Once inside, make sure there's a rubber mat by the front door, and a container to hold umbrellas in case of wet weather.
Warmth and light inside a home are especially welcome on cold, dark winter days, so temporarily cast aside your energy-savings ways by ensuring that every light in the house is on during viewings. And before potential buyers come over, consider adjusting the thermostat to a couple of degrees higher than you may normally have it, and then turn it back down just before they come in. This will ensure the furnace doesn't come on while people are viewing the house — some HVAC systems are loud and klunky, a distraction buyers don't need to be exposed to.
Remember that your REALTOR® is a great source of information and tips, which will help to ensure a smooth real estate experience, no matter what the season. While spring is traditionally the busiest time for real estate, putting a home on the market now often results in more interest from buyers due to the lower number of available properties.
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