Hot cocoa and sold signs: How to sell your home in the winter without losing your mittens

By Korey Welch, Owner of Boom Realty 
and Senior Mortgage Broker, Loan Factory 

Ah, winter – the season of fluffy socks, snow angels, and endless debates over whether that’s frost or freezer burn on your car windshield. While some homeowners burrow in until spring, the bold and the brave know a little secret: Winter can actually be a wonderful time to sell your home. Yes, even when the driveway’s a skating rink and the lockbox is colder than your in-laws’ opinion of your decorating skills.
Here’s how to turn your winter listing into a warm success story.

  1. Turn up the cozy factor
    When buyers step inside from the cold, they should feel like they’ve just entered a Hallmark movie. Think soft lighting, warm throws, the faint scent of cinnamon (not eau de Febreze), and maybe even a crackling fireplace if you’ve got one. The goal? To make them forget they ever wanted to leave.
    Pro tip: Keep the thermostat set at a welcoming temperature – not tropical, not tundra. No one wants to tour in a parka, but melting mascara is equally unflattering.
  2. Light it up like a snow globe
    Winter’s short days mean your home needs to sparkle even when the sun calls it quits early. Open curtains, clean windows, and add extra lighting wherever shadows lurk. String fairy lights along a porch or mantel for a whimsical glow – just stop before it looks like Santa’s off-season storage facility.
  3. Show off winter-ready features
    If your home is snug as a bug thanks to new insulation, energy-efficient windows, or a recently serviced furnace, brag about it! Winter buyers care deeply about warmth, efficiency, and whether the pipes are plotting against them. A cozy home in January can feel like a promise of fewer headaches in March.
  4. Keep it clear (literally)
    Shovel. Salt. Repeat. A safe, snow-free walkway is not just good manners – it’s good marketing. Buyers who slip on your icy steps may not make it to the living room (or the closing table). A clean entryway, a tidy doormat, and boots tucked away make a strong first impression.
  5. Use winter’s quiet to your advantage
    There’s less competition in the colder months – fewer listings, more serious buyers. While everyone else is binge-watching home-renovation shows, your property could be the one that serious buyers are actually scheduling to see.
  6. Play up the “New Year, New Home” energy
    It’s resolution season! People are dreaming of fresh starts, and what better way to symbolize that than with a new address? Lean into the narrative – stage your home to whisper possibility and fresh beginnings. Maybe even add a “New Year, New Nest” tagline to your listing.
  7. Bake something – Yes, really
    Cookies, pie, banana bread – the scent of comfort makes buyers linger just a little longer. And the longer they linger, the more they fall in love. (Just keep a plate handy for the open house host, too – Realtors are people, after all.)
    Final thought
    Selling your home in winter might sound like sledding uphill, but with the right warmth, light, and cheer, your “for sale” sign could soon read “sold!” faster than you can say “pass the marshmallows.”
    Choosing a senior housing option is a significant decision that requires careful consideration of personal preferences, health needs, and financial factors. As a 25-year veteran of both the mortgage and real estate industries, I understand the complexities involved in making these transitions. My goal is to help individuals and families make informed decisions that promote quality of life, independence, and peace of mind throughout the aging journey.
    If you’re considering selling a home as part of this process, I offer professional real estate services at a listing commission of just 1% – a structure that can save sellers tens of thousands of dollars. I’m here to help every step of the way.

Korey Welch, Owner of Boom Realty and Senior Mortgage Broker (NMLS: 14991) with Loan Factory (NMLS: 320841), is a licensed mortgage broker/real estate broker based in Rockland. For more than two decades, Korey has been helping seniors determine the best fit. For a complimentary consultation, contact him at korey@koreywelch.com, 781-367-3351.
If you have questions about building an ADU, navigating local zoning, or how it might affect your property value, I’m always happy to help. As a 25-year veteran of the real estate and mortgage business, I bring deep experience and a personal touch to every conversation.