Winter Home Maintenance for Sellers

Winterizing is essential for both protection and presentation. Insulate exposed pipes to prevent freezing and bursting. Check the attic for adequate insulation — this affects both heating bills and ice dam prevention. Service the furnace and change filters monthly during heavy use. Program the thermostat to maintain 65F minimum at all times to prevent pipe freezing, and raise to 72F for showings. Check weatherstripping on all doors and windows. Ensure the water heater is functioning efficiently. These winterization steps prevent costly damage and keep the home comfortable for buyers.

Snow management is a continuous obligation during winter showings. Shovel walkways and driveways within 4 hours of snowfall. Apply salt or ice melt to all walking surfaces before and after storms. Clear snow from the front porch, steps, and any outdoor staging areas. Keep a snow shovel and salt by the front door during the listing period. If you travel or cannot maintain clearing, hire a snow removal service. A snow-covered walkway is not just unsightly — it is a liability concern for visiting buyers and agents.

Winter creates unique showing challenges. Test the doorbell and electronic lock before each showing — cold can drain batteries. Ensure the garage door opener works in cold temperatures. Leave blinds open on south-facing windows to capture warming winter sun. Check that all faucets and toilets run properly — cold weather can cause plumbing issues. Leave a welcome mat inside for buyers to wipe wet shoes. Place a small boot tray at the entry to contain snow and slush. These details show thoughtfulness and make the showing experience positive despite the weather.

Winter is when energy efficiency becomes tangible. Prepare a summary of your home's energy features: insulation type and R-value, window efficiency rating, furnace age and SEER rating, and any smart home temperature controls. If you have recent utility bills showing reasonable winter heating costs, share them with your agent to include in the listing. Energy-efficient homes command premium prices in cold weather markets, and providing documentation removes buyer anxiety about winter utility costs. Virtual staging can help highlight energy-efficient features like new windows and modern HVAC systems in your listing presentation.