Actually, there are benefits to selling in the winter. Many sellers put off selling until the spring so that means less competition for you. And besides, has your home ever looked more cheery?

Last winter — December, January and February — 1,174 single-family homes sold in Utah County compared to 1,521 during March, April and May.

So most people do wait until spring. The average selling price last winter was $200,000 compared to $230,361 in the spring, according to the Wasatch Front Multiple Listing Service. Average time on the market during the winter was 121 days; while in the spring the average selling time was 119 days, so not much difference there as far as timing goes.

Generally folks who sell in the winter usually have more of a pressing need, so it’s a good time to be a buyer. 

But no matter what time of year you decide to sell, here are a few tips from First American Title Insurance Co. to squeeze the most dollars out of your home no matter what the current market conditions are. To make the make the best first impression, clean everything. Potential buyers will value your home more if it is clean, uncluttered, in good repair, light, fragrant and quiet.

A clean home gives potential buyers the impression that you’ve taken good care of it and that it most likely will be in good repair. Leave it messy and dirty and buyer may question every flaw.

So, before you put your home on the market get rid of clutter and things you no longer need. Clean out your closets and have a garage sale. The less you have the roomier it will seem. And while you’re at it, fix anything that’s broken — plumbing, electrical, flaky paint. In fact, if your buyer is using an FHA loan, you may be required to fix some things.

When it comes time to show your home, make sure it’s light and airy. Open the shades, clean the windows, replace any burned out light bulbs and brighten gloomy, dark rooms.

When the agent comes with potential buyers make yourself scarce. Go for a walk or run some errands. I once had a seller who had such a negative attitude that it reflected on his home, although it was a lovely home in a gated community. I suggested he leave while his home was being shown, but he refused.

It was the last day of the listing when I received a call from a Salt Lake City Realtor wanting to show the house. I contacted the sellers, but he was ill that day and didn’t want to show it.

I suggested he stay in his bedroom, lock the door and let them see the rest of the home. Reluctantly, he agreed. That meant he wouldn’t be available to influence the buyers, either. 

They bought the home for full price!

So here are some final hints from First American Title:

• Make sure the home is comfortable — not too hot in the summer and not too cool in the winter. If you have a fireplace, have a cozy fire burning.

• Provide a complete written list of the home’s features.

• If anyone calls or drops by without a Realtor, don’t let them in. Rather, have them contact your agent.

• Provide a home warranty. It’s an inexpensive marketing ploy and gives buyers reassurance that any problems the warranty covers will be taken care of.

• Make sure your agent knows all the good things about your home, including how it has benefitted you, and don’t be afraid to tell your agents about the warts, as well. In fact, when you list the home your agent will have you fill out and sign a property disclosure that tells prospective buyers any problems you know about the house.

• Silence is golden when you are showing your house. Turn off the radio and TV and close windows to muffle street noise. Soft music with no vocals can set the mood. Send the kids and the dog to grandma’s house.

• Make sure you get rid of offensive odors. That can be handled professionally or if not too serious you can do it yourself. The sweet aroma of cookies baking is also a good thing, or try a teaspoon of vanilla in a warm oven.

Rodger L. Hardy is a Realtor affiliated with Prudential Utah Real Estate and a former real estate editor. For answers to your real estate questions please email him at rhardy@utahresidentialEteam.com.