While the winter season may not have officially hit the Cleveland area with a record breaking snowstorm, the winter home buying and selling market has arrived. To make your home more attractive to potential buyers, we put together a short list of priority items that we suggest sellers complete before placing your home on the market. 

1. Clean your windows. Giving them a good cleaning will help brighten up your home and let more light in. With shorter days and an earlier sunset, winter time can sometimes be a bit dark and gloomy. Allowing as much light in as possible will help show off your home to potential buyers. Also make sure all lighting fixtures are working and replace all fixtures with brand new light bulbs to avoid any dimly lit areas. 
2. Recaulk doors and windows. By doing this simple task, you will help block any potential gaps that could allow cold air into the home. It is important to make your home feel warm during the winter housing market. 
3. Set your thermostat to a comfortable temperature for when potential buyers attend showings. Similarly to the previous point, you want to avoid having potential buyers view the home as cold and uninviting. 
4. Have your chimney cleaned by a professional. Cozying up by the fire this winter season can be a selling point for potential buyers. Having your chimney serviced by a professional is imperative for safe use of the fireplace.
5. Keep your driveway and walkway clear for showings. While we have not seen much snow just yet, it is important to keep in mind that all pathways to your home are properly salted and shoveled before any showings to potential buyers. 
6. Keep up with dusting. Before placing your home on the market, make sure to clean off any dust that may have accumulated on ceiling fans blades once they have been turned off. Before turning on your heating systems, make sure all base boards, filters, and vents are wiped down. While your home is on the market, keep up with weekly dustings to avoid any buildup that can be unsightly to potential buyers.