Snow-dusted roofs and icicles hanging from eaves usually make picturesque photos, but if you’re trying to sell your home in the winter, these idyllic winter visions may not be a reality.


If your home is on the market during the winter months, here are a few things you may be forced to think about:


1. Salt your steps
The last thing you need while your home is on the market is a law suit from some buyer that has fallen and can’t get up from your front steps. Any snow or ice on the sidewalk or steps leading to your front door must be addressed…and on a daily basis, if needed. Just salt the steps with a large-grained salt or even try kitty litter. Think about it: if you fell on the front steps of a house and twisted your ankle, would you still be in the mood to put in an offer so you can fall every winter? Probably not.


2. Clear away extra snow
Your curb appeal is virtually lost when it’s covered in even a few inches of snow. All that hard work you did back in the spring to plant brightly-colored flowers may be lost for a few months. Without being able to see your steps, flower beds, or sidewalk, the house may look like a boring blank slate. Don’t go crazy and clear it all away-that will look odd, too-but just shovel enough away so we can see the window sills, sidewalk, and driveway.




3. Evergreen
Since your spring flowers are probably long-gone, consider either planting evergreens or placing potted ones at the front of your home. Dead bushes, withered flowers, and brown grass aren’t necessarily the most curb-friendly accents. Opt for an evergreen landscape that will outlast winter and still keep your home looking alive and friendly. You can, of course, add your color back in once April showers have come and gone. Which plants are good for the winter season? Find out here.


4. Invite them to stay

Invest in a classic coat rack, stand it up in the front foyer, and invite them to take off their coats and stay awhile. The more time they spend in the house, the better. And they’ll probably be more comfortable this way too-less bundled up. Place a few drops of vanilla on a cookie sheet and "bake" in the oven before you leave and you’ll have the house smelling like warm, freshly-baked cookies. Adding large area rugs to a vacant house will “warm” it up a bit, too.