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.
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. <
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