What You Need to Know About Selling a Home in Winter

By Carrie Colby

Pros and cons of selling a home in winter

There are definitely pros and cons to selling a home in the winter. Truth is there are pros and cons to selling your home at any time of the year.

But let’s focus now on this coldest of seasons.

Benefits of Selling a House in Winter

1. You’ll face less competition.

Come spring, more sellers will flood the market. But, since most people think winter’s a bad time to sell a home, you’ll be facing a lot less competition in the colder months.

For example, the number of active home listings in the U.S. dropped about 13 percent during the winter of 2024-2025 and didn’t bounce back until spring.

If that pattern repeats, you’ll have less competition on the market if you list your home during the winter. Buyers will have fewer homes to choose from, which means you could sell your house faster.

2. Buyers often mean business

Most folks want to curl up under a blanket next to a warm fire on a cold winter day. If a buyer is trudging around in freezing weather to look at your home, they must be serious. Buyers who are out looking during winter are serious about buying. The lookers come out during warm weather; the real buyers come out during the coldest months.

3. Less pressure on curb appeal

While curb appeal is always important, in winter you have a bit more flexibility. That is, if you live in a colder climate, you don’t have to worry about mowing the lawn or keeping the landscaping looking fresh. In winter no one expects fresh flowers in the soil.

Add to that the fact that if it snows, everything is covered in snow. That’s a good thing, because everything is pretty when there is snow.

4. Real estate agents are more motivated

During peak home-selling season, schedules get crazy. And even the best real estate agents might find it challenging to provide their undivided attention when managing dozens of clients.

Since there are fewer listings in the winter, it’s a whole lot easier for real estate agents to provide personalized attention for both buyers and sellers.

Tips for selling your home in the winter

1. Put color outside your house

While fresh snow in the winter makes everything look clean, it can also make the front of your house look boring. So be sure to add color to the outside of your home. This could be painting your front door a bright color, adding a colorful wreath or a new doormat outside?

2. Make your home look and feel warm

You want your home to look and literally feel warm and inviting. First order of business: If you have a fireplace or wood stove, always have a fire going for showings and open houses.

At the same time turn up the thermostat when people are there to look at your home. You don’t want anyone visiting your home to feel a chill. Also, that could read “drafty house” to potential buyers.

3. Green up your home inside when selling in winter

It may be winter outside, but that doesn’t mean you can't have fresh flowers or other greenery inside. A great place to put those fresh flowers is in the entrance hall or on kitchen counters–or both. They can really brighten up your home and make all the difference when selling a home in the winter.

4. Create a mudroom area at the entrance of your home

Consider creating a makeshift mudroom inside your home’s entrance. Furnish it with a dark-colored, washable absorbent mat for catching shoe debris and a bench in case people want to take off their shoes. If there isn’t a coat closet nearby, bring in a coat rack or put up a peg board for coats.

Not only does this help keep your home clean, but also buyers with children will appreciate an entrance hall that’s functional like this. Then, they can envision the kids coming home and having a place to put their book bags, shoes and coats.

Final Thoughts

Winter may not be the busiest real estate season, but it can be one of the most strategic. With less competition and more serious buyers, your home has the potential to shine -- especially if you lean into warmth, comfort, and thoughtful presentation.

Carrie Colby is a Broker with Allied Real Estate, 909 Roosevelt Trail in Windham. She can be reached at 207-232-5497. <

Remote Work and Small Business Exposures: Are Maine Homeowners’ Insurance Policies Adequate?

By Tricia Zwirner

Remote work has become increasingly common in the Sebago Lakes region of Maine. Many residents now balance professional responsibilities from their homes, while small business owners run ventures, store inventory, and keep equipment at their residences. This shift offers flexibility but raises important questions about insurance coverage—specifically, whether standard homeowners’ insurance policies adequately protect these individuals and their businesses.

Insurance Challenges for Remote Workers and Home-Based Businesses in Maine

Maine’s natural beauty and quality of life attract remote workers and entrepreneurs who prefer living outside urban centers. While this growth benefits the local economy, it introduces unique insurance challenges. Many homeowners assume their standard policies cover all property and business-related activities, but this is rarely true.

Standard homeowners’ insurance covers personal property, dwelling structures, and liability related to typical home and family life. However, business use of the home often has exclusions or limits, leaving gaps in coverage.

Are Standard Homeowners Policies Enough?

Homeowners policies generally have limits on business property -- often around $2,500 – which is insufficient for many remote workers’ equipment such as computers, printers, or inventory. Additionally, liability coverage may not extend to business activities. If a client is injured at your home office or your business causes damage to others, your homeowners’ policy might not cover the claim. Also, these policies typically exclude business interruption losses if your home office is damaged or unusable.

Without additional coverage, remote workers and small business owners face financial risks from these gaps.

Insurance Coverage Options for Remote Workers and Small Businesses
Home Business Endorsement: This endorsement increases coverage limits for business property and extends liability protection for business activities conducted at home.
Business Owner’s Policy (BOP): A BOP bundles property insurance, liability, and business interruption coverage. Some insurers offer BOPs tailored for home-based businesses with more extensive needs.
Commercial Property Insurance: Necessary if your business inventory or equipment exceeds homeowner’s policy limits.
Professional Liability Insurance: Also called errors and omissions insurance, this protects service providers offering advice or expertise remotely from claims of negligence or mistakes.
Cyber Liability Insurance: With remote work relying heavily on digital communications, cyber liability coverage guards against data breaches, ransomware, and other cyber risks.
Commercial Auto Insurance: If you use a vehicle for business purposes, personal auto insurance may not cover related accidents or damages.

Common Exposures Remote Workers and Small Businesses Face
Equipment and Inventory Damage: Theft, fire, or accidental damage to business tools can lead to costly losses if coverage is insufficient.
Liability Claims: Injuries to clients or delivery persons visiting your home or damages caused by your business activities may exceed homeowner’s policy liability limits.
Data Loss and Cyber Attacks: Electronic storage of sensitive information makes many home businesses vulnerable to cyber threats.
Business Interruption: Damage to your home office can halt business operations, causing lost income without proper business interruption insurance.
Home Use Restrictions: Some policies exclude coverage if a significant portion of the home is used for business, potentially affecting home damage claims.

Steps Maine Residents Can Take to Protect Themselves
Review Your Current Policy: Understand what your homeowner’s policy covers and where it falls short for your business activities.
Inventory Business Assets: Document all equipment, inventory, and supplies used for work to assess coverage needs.
Consult Insurance Professionals: Work with local agents familiar with Maine’s market to explore endorsements or commercial policies tailored for home businesses.
Update Coverage as Needed: Add endorsements, purchase a BOP, or obtain separate commercial policies to ensure adequate protection.
Practice Risk Management: Maintain a safe workspace, secure your data, and keep detailed records to minimize risks and support claims.

Conclusion

Remote work and home-based businesses in the Sebago Lakes region and across Maine offer new opportunities but also new insurance challenges. Standard homeowner’s policies, while comprehensive for personal use, often fall short for business activities conducted at home. By understanding exposures and securing appropriate coverage, remote workers and small business owners can protect their homes, equipment, and livelihoods from unexpected losses.

Residents should consult with their insurance providers to ensure their policies reflect the realities of today’s work-from-home environment. Taking proactive steps now can safeguard your business and provide peace of mind for the future.

Tricia Zwirner is a State Farm agent in Windham. She and her team would love to hear from you and can be reached via phone and text at 207-892-2864 or via email at [email protected]. <

A Homeowner's Guide to Spring Home Maintenance

Compiled by Jonathan Priest

Believe it or not, despite the stretch of record-breaking cold, Spring is right around the corner!

A warmup is on the way this week, so with that in mind, J Priest Insurance is proud to bring you A Homeowner's Guide to Spring Home Maintenance

Outdoor Spring Cleanup

Roof and Exterior

Do a ground-level inspection of the roof and home exterior to check for signs of winter weather damage. If you spot problem areas, you may need to schedule a professional inspection.

Look for:

Loose or broken shingles

Cracks or signs of wear on the chimney

Damaged wood around windows and doors

Signs of animal/pest intrusions or nesting

Although a home exterior is designed to withstand exposure to the elements, periodic cleaning can improve its appearance and, in some cases, prolong the life of siding and other exterior details, according to the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB).

Lawn Mower

Before firing up your mower for the first time this spring, inspect the blade. Set the blade height to 1.5 inches to 2 inches for the first cutting. (Cutting more than one-third of the leaf blade when mowing can “shock” the lawn and cause browning.) After the first cut, set the blade height to 3 inches, which can help promote grass color and root growth.

Gutters

Carefully remove debris that can clog gutters. Water overflow from a clogged gutter can damage fascia boards and the foundation, as well as cause leaks across walls and ceilings.

Deck

Hammer or tighten nails or screws that have popped from deck boards. Look for loose or cracked boards and repair as needed. Wash wooden or composite decks with a cleaning solution designed for the material.

Pool

Inspect valves, filters and equipment for signs of wear or damage, and change or clean as needed or schedule an opening date with a pool service.

Indoor Spring Cleanup

Kitchen

Even with the best range hood, grease can build up on the tops (and fronts) of kitchen cabinets. Feel around for stickiness and use a good degreaser on the surfaces.

Freshen up the garbage disposal by grinding ice cubes (even better, lemon/vinegar ice cubes or rock salt and ice cubes), then flush it with hot water and baking soda.

Remove dust build-up from refrigerator coils to restore its efficiency. Clean seals and change the water filter.

Clean the range hood; clean filters (if you can, remove and run them through the dishwasher).

Attic

Attics need a post-winter once-over to check insulation for dampness (replace any that's wet) and seal cracks and leaks. Look for mold, insects or animals that may have crept in. Assess the area around vents to ensure nothing is blocking vents before summer heat builds.

Basement

Dampness loves a dark, underground space. Look for moisture and mold around the bottom of the foundation and seal any cracks. Check for excess humidity (consider a dehumidifier if needed). Open vents. Look for evidence of insect tunneling in any wooden framing.

Heating and Cooling

The heat has been running all winter long and the air conditioner needs to be ready to go. Replace HVAC filters and check the drain pan to make sure it is draining and hoses are sound and connected. (Or schedule a biannual checkup/servicing.) If you use window air conditioners, it's time to install them.

Plumbing

The most common type of water damage to homes isn't caused by hurricanes or floods. It's caused by the dishwasher, hot water heater and other appliances or plumbing.

Check ceilings for telltale water stains and track leak.

Electrical

Check all outlets and cords for frayed wires, loose outlet covers or cracked plugs. Make sure extension cords and outlets aren't overloaded. Put surge protectors where needed to protect electronics.

Appliances

A home's workhorses are easy to take for granted, but a small problem can cause a disastrous leak or fire. Spring is a good time to check washer and dryer hoses and connectors for wear and tear. Also, detach the dryer vent tube and vacuum or brush out lint.

Draining the hot water heater to remove sediment can help prolong its life. If you have a water pressure gauge, test the temperature/pressure relief valve. Most plumbing codes state that the maximum water pressure in a home should be 80 PSI or less (ideally between 50 and 60 PSI).

Chimney

Even if you don't regularly use your fireplace, an annual chimney inspection can ensure the flue is clear and sound, according to the Chimney Safety Institute of America.

This article was brought to you courtesy of Farmers Insurance agent Jonathan Priest, with an office at 57 Tandberg Trail, Suite 7, Windham and StaySafe.org. Call him at 207-893-8184 or send him an email at [email protected] <

Shower power, your design and install guide

By Warren O’Shea

Almost every home has at least one shower in it. They can be relatively simple in design with economical installation, to a very elaborate, time-consuming and expensive masterpiece.

I hope what follows helps.

Wall Framing

With any construction project, it’s best to start with a wall system that is as plum, level and square as possible. There is some leeway on this, depending on the shower type, but not much. Correct issues in the beginning and add blocking in areas where glass doors and where ADA grab bars will be placed. Towel bars are not rated as grab bars.

Plumbing

Retrofitting an existing shower where all plumbing remains in its present location may not require a permit but always check your local code ordinance. It’s recommended that if you’re replacing a shower, you should replace the valve as well. Be noted that installing larger supply lines to the valve will not necessarily increase the volume of the shower or the pressure from the shower head. Shower valves flow rate is set by the EPA and cannot be increased, not legally anyway.

Valve features

A thermostatic shower valve is a mixing valve that maintains a consistent water temperature by automatically adjusting the ratio of hot and cold water based on the actual temperature, not just pressure. It prevents scalding if cold water pressure drops.

Pressure balancing valves contain a single handle to adjust temperature, using a piston or diaphragm to balance hot/cold pressure, protecting against sudden temperature shifts (like when a toilet flushes).

Diverter valves used in tub/shower combos to direct water flow between the tub spout and showerhead, are available as tee, two-handle, or three-handle types.

Volume control valves allow you to control the water flow rate (volume) while the temperature remains constant, often paired with other valves for more customized showers. I’ve found that some of the volume controls lack the range of control that my clients are looking for, acting more like an on/off lever.

When looking at the valves, consider getting models with service stops. This allows you to shut the water supply off at the valve for servicing without relying on other shut offs that may or may not be convenient to use or access.

Shower types

Fiberglass fasten-to-stud.

Rigid, thick, and durable with a gel coat protective coating. It can come in multiple configurations. A 1 piece can be big and bulky and may not be able to fit through doorways in an existing house, also a bit of an outdated design in the residential world.

A 3 piece is a corner unit, and a 4 piece is an alcove unit. One of the pieces is the shower floor or pan.

Make sure the shower wall where the valve goes doesn’t have any angles preventing the valve trim from seating completely flat. It also helps to have a shower valve that has a compression type of trim kit install like machine screws through the front plate to help hold the trim securely against the fiberglass in case there is some movement in the wall. It’s best practice to set the shower pan in mortar with an isolation membrane between the subfloor and the mortar. I’ve seen people use drywall mud or expanding foam to set the pan. I know this because that’s what I see when I tear out failed pans.

FRP Fiberglass reinforced panels

The framing really needs to be as spot on plumb level and square as if you were to do tile walls. They say you can install over drywall (don’t unless a waterproofing membrane is put on). The fastening and waterproofing procedure comes out of tubes. I will say it’s quite cost effective compared to tile. My advice, don’t. Second advice, dry fit, dry fit, dry fit.

Tile, full or with pan

A fiberglass pan will save you money but not enough to make it worth it in my opinion. The visual design can be awkward unless the tile color matches the pan. The tile to pan transition is prone to cracking unless certain precautionary measures are taken. The pan limits what shower glass options you have if any.

A full tile shower is most people’s dream but requires much more maintenance and cost. Please put the tile on the whole wall, not 10 inches short of the ceiling. I would consider it a personal favor to me and would be greatly appreciated.

Warren O'Shea is the owner of O’Shea Builders LLC, Maine’s most award-winning remodeling contractor. He has 35-plus years of residential remodeling experience. He is a certified home inspector and has been featured on HGTV, Food Network, and Maine Cabin Masters. He is a recipient of the Portland Police Department’s “Citizen Award,” and is a staunch consumer advocate. Warren has, and continues to, co-author articles for nationally distributed trade magazines. <