My New Blog

It's not ALWAYS the frozen tundra here!

Unlike the Southern United States, weather in Wisconsin plays a huge role in the marketability of homes.  The differences in perception to prospective buyers can be astounding.  Landscaping can be obscured by snow, walks and steps can be slippery, the challenges abound in wintertime.

Even if you're not looking to sell your home now, take pictures while everything is in bloom and there are leaves on the trees!!  This will help your Realtor out immensely as those photos can be used later on an MLS listing to present the best possible views of your home.

TIPS TO MARKET YOUR HOME FOR EVERY SEASON

• Open all draperies and blinds so all the best natural light is coming into your home.
• Make sure that the views outside are the best they can possibly be.  If you have a large shrub outside a window, trim it back so the view form the window isn't blocked by foliage.
• Mow your lawn. It's best to mow in lines that are perpendicular to the street so that the lawn looks larger and well-maintained.
• Trim all trees, shrubs, bushes so they look nice and tidy.  Buyers will be looking for clean lines.
• Make sure that there are angles at which to photograph your home that allow the entire house to be photographed without low-hanging branches in the way of the roof line(s).
• If there are weeds in the lawn or flower beds / gardens, make sure they are removed.
• If it's a bit later in the season, the sun angle will be important.  Make sure you photograph the various sides of your home when the sun is shining on those areas.  If your Realtor is photographing the house, he or she may need to make return trips to the house for better lighting.
• When you photograph your home, make sure all of the lights are on, even if the sun is shining in the room.
• Take several pictures of the same areas from the same angle.  For each room or area, you'll want to take 3 photographs of each angle from at least two to three angles for a total of 6 - 9 pictures per area/room.
• If you're providing the photos to your realtor for marketing, make sure that you provide your Realtor with ALL of the photos you've taken if it's during the winter months.
• Photograph your house in every season.  That way there will be great pictures of the home year-round to market with.Your Realtor can provide you with more tips to appropriately stage your home for the best possible perception by prospective buyers.

If you'd like to find out more about selling your home contact me.