Fall Chores for a Winter Sale

Dear Pat,
We're planning to sell our house early next year. Now with winter nearly upon us, we only have time to get a few outsde things done to get ready to sell. What's most important? Also, is it even a good idea to sell in winter, or should we wait until spring?
--Feeling a Chill

Dear Chill,
Two good questions. Let's answer your second one first. I've said it many times before, but I want to emphasize again that the spring market unofficially begins in January. After the holidays buyers traditionally return to the marketplace in larger numbers than sellers, creating a demand that makes it much easier to sell than at nearly any other time of year. That's likely to happen again this winter, in spite of the slower demand generally experienced this past year. So, by all means go ahead and sell in winter--just be aware that the inventory you get to pick from may be smaller than it will be later in the spring.

It's wise to prepare now for a sale next year, whether you go on the market in January or April. Every situation is different, of course, but some jobs simply require warm-weather conditions to fulfill contract obligations that may be created in the sale. Here are some fall chores that can help make nearly every home ready for a cold-weather sale:

    * Scrape and paint exterior as necessary or feasible; but if time is short, pay attention to the front entry trim and threshold.
    * Repair concrete steps if cracked or broken.
    *  Tuck point brick trim and foundation.
    * Put the gardens "to bed."
    * Clean the yard (you don't want prospective buyers watching as you chisel the kid's trikes out of the ice in January).
    * Clean out the garage and basement now while milder weather makes the job easier.
    * Clean gutters as soon as the leaves have fallen.

My exterior list is far from complete and, of course, we haven't discussed any of the all-important interior tasks--that's another topic. But by getting started ASAP on the outside work you'll gain an advantage over many other early-year sellers. Good luck!