Get money-saving tips in your inbox.

Stay on top of personal finance tips from our money experts!

News & Resources

Selling Your Home? 7 Winter Open House Tips

Jan. 6, 2015
3 mins
Couple moving into their new apartment

Was one of your new year’s resolutions to sell your house? If so, you may not need to wait until spring to do so. In fact, in some cases, you may be better off putting your home on the market before the real estate action heats up.

Winter homes are a hot sell

U.S.-based online brokerage firm Redfin crunched the numbers on all the sales their agents made in 19 markets, including Boston and Chicago, over a two-year period and found that homes listed in the December 21 through March 21 period were more likely to sell, would sell sooner, and for a higher “sale-to-list price ratio” than during any other period of the year.

“There are plenty of people who need to buy a home in the winter, whether it’s because of a job relocation or major family change, like a new baby. These buyers want to get into a home quickly, and are sometimes willing to pay top dollar,” said Paul Stone, a Denver-based Redfin agent.

Homes listed in the winter sold for a 1.2% higher sale-to-list ratio and sold a week earlier than those listed at any other time of year. They were also 9% more likely to sell within six months of going on the market.

Check out the numbers in Redfin's infographic:

Getting an edge on the market

Closer to home, Toronto-based Sutton Group broker, Pro Sarbadhikari says there are “definitely” instances where homeowners have benefitted from selling in the off-season.

“When you have a good listing come up during the slow period it can go for more than it would have in spring,” says Sarbadhikari. “If it’s the only thing that’s available, people will jump all over it.”

Winter open house rules

During the snowy season, you’ll want to make sure you have plenty of mats and racks in your entrance area for open-house attendees to leave their boots. You should also leave signs indicating that footwear should be removed during any weekday visits.

You’ll also need to be extra vigilant in removing all snow from walkways so potential buyers can easily access all exterior areas of the property. Buyers will also be curious to know what’s buried beneath the snow. If you have a pool, nice landscaping, or immaculate garden, make sure you have photos of your outdoor areas on display. And don’t forget that age-old realtors trick of lighting the fireplace – or a candle that’s scented to smell like one – to give that comfortable, homey feel.

Timing can be everything

It’s impossible to predict the weather days or weeks in advance, so you have to be accept that a heavy snowfall can unexpectedly kibosh your open house. But there are some things you can plan around:

  • Daylight Saving Time: The clocks “spring” forward one hour in the wee hours of Sunday, March 8, 2015. So if you hold an open house that day in the standard 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. time slot, don’t be surprised if a few stragglers show up and 4:45 p.m. thinking they’ve arrived just in the nick of time.
  • March Break: Don’t hold an offer date during the week of March break. “Nobody’s looking during that week,” says Sarbadhikari. The end of March break also marks the beginning of the spring season so if you want to beat the crowd, try to list well before the mid-winter holiday.
  • Easter Sunday: In 2015, Easter Sunday falls on April 5. That weekend, many people will likely be busy travelling or preparing for hosting duties, resulting in low turnout for open houses. That said, Sarbadhikari likes doing showings the day before Easter. “People will look at a house on Saturday, then talk to their parents about loaning them some money so they can make a strong offer later that week.”
Allan Britnell

Toronto-based freelancer Allan Britnell is an award-winning writer with nearly 20 years’ experience. He covers a diverse range of topics, including DIY and professional home renovation projects, nature and the environment, small business, personal finance, and family and health issues. He is also the managing editor of Renovation Contractor, the publication written for small- and medium-sized contracting and custom home building companies. He lives in Toronto with his wife, two daughters, and their dog, Oscar.

Latest life insurance articles

10 Life insurance myths debunked
Life insurance is for someone older or has kids, right? Wrong. Let’s debunk life insurance myths and learn why everyone needs some form of coverage.
6 mins read
Do you need life insurance? A primer for Canadians
Life insurance isn’t a one-size-fits all solution. But if you have dependents, it can be an important financial safety net for those you love.
7 mins read
Why life insurance should be part of estate planning for new parents
Life insurance is one of the best ways new parents can protect their family and help loved ones in the event of your unexpected death.
5 mins read

Subscribe to our newsletter

Stay on top of our latest offers, relevant news and tips!

Thanks for joining!

You'll be hearing from us shortly - stay tuned.