WINTER TIPS FOR YOUR SELLING YOUR HOME

We are often asked by our clients whether they should winterize their homes if they are on the market.  After many years of observing the impact of winterized homes, we usually advise them to keep the heat on if possible, at lower temperatures, but no too low, and turn off the water main (again, if possible) before you leave the house. 

Extreme winter temperatures and low humidity affect your home’s interior. Wood trim (and furniture) dry out each winter so there’s more touch up caulking and painting than your primary home. Appliance seals dry and crack and don’t last as long.  If you’re home is on the market, a cold house doesn’t show well, especially with the frigid temperatures we’ve seen lately. Most prospective buyers walk in and walk out when it’s colder inside a home that outside!

             

  Here are some other winter weather tips for your home:

•  If you have any exposed pipes, insulate them. Be careful with pipes that become hot, they may be a fire hazard if they’re in contact with something flammable. Also make sure that any sprinkler systems and pipes leading to a pool are drained and turned off. Any outdoor faucets should be drained, insulated and covered for the winter as well.

•          Check your roof  for leaks, or missing tiles/shingles - have the problem fixed immediately.

•         Gutters and downspouts clogged with leaves or dirt prevent moisture from running through your drainage system.  Instead, precipitation begins to collect en-masse--causing serious gutter and siding damage. Severe cold weather, caused some homes to experience a condition called “ice-damming,” where ice accumulates, melts and has nowhere to go but inside your home, finding its way through your home and ultimately to your basement! Keep an eye on ice and snow accumulation and correct the problem before more damage occurs.

Even though the weather can be a challenge, this is a good time to put your home on the market – serious buyers come to us every day.  We are making deals.  If you’re thinking of selling this year, don’t wait,  call us at 631 765 5333. We’ll help you decide the best strategy, pricing and how to keep your asset safe and sound over the winter season.