Get Creative with Winter Curb Appeal!

Jill Giese & Associates ,December 15, 2022

Many people say they want to ‘wait until spring’ to sell their house. We like to say that spring starts in January! This is because January is the month with the fewest number of homes on the market and thus less competition for your house. And as soon as the holidays are over, buyers start getting excited to make a move so you want to be on the market when those enthusiastic buyers are looking!

Most sellers underestimate the amount of time it will take them to get their home market-ready. We’ve found that the average home seller takes between two and four weeks to prepare their home — longer if they’ve deferred some maintenance or have been living in the home for a long time. In order to be on the market in January, you definitely need to get started now.

Don't worry, you can create striking winter curb appeal without expensive or complicated exterior changes with these tips below.

1. Give it seasonal sparkle. Transform an unused bird bath or fountain into a seasonal display by adding twigs with red berries. Fill frost-resistant urns with twigs, winter greenery, and sparkly baubles sold in craft stores. For extra sparkle, roll twigs in glitter and incorporate a gazing ball — a mirrored glass ball available in various colors.

2. Add splashes of green and purple. Plants, grasses, and evergreens liven up a home's winter landscape. Experiment with tall grasses, such as fountain grasses, that survive harsh winters. In the late fall and early winter, plants from the cabbage family add a vibrant purple color.

3. Make the garden statuesque. Roman or Greek-themed outdoor sculptures can add class and elegance to a garden in winter. Be sure to use frost-resistant statues so they don't crack. Place the statues strategically throughout the garden to draw buyers' eyes around the outdoor space.

4. Light it bright. During winter it's more likely a buyer will be viewing the home after sunset. Use solar-powered, clear flood spotlights to focus on the home's architectural features. Keep exterior light fixtures at maximum wattage and clean them regularly.

5. Show off the lifestyle. Just because it's cold outside doesn't mean you can't use the deck. Shovel your backyard sitting area and leave your grill uncovered so buyers can envision themselves using the space. It's also a great idea to leave a hot tub open and open and running during showings.