It’s a widely held belief that summer is the best time to sell land, while winter is the worst. In the past, perhaps it was true that house hunting in the dead of winter was not appealing for buyers, but the invention of the Internet — and tools such as Land id™ (formerly MapRight) — have changed that trend. Now, most buyers begin their search online, visiting listing sites and scrolling through photo galleries, so the cold weather is hardly a deterrent. In fact, according to the National Association of Realtors, 1.086 million homes were sold from December 2019 to February 2020. 

As a seller, you can take advantage of the misconception that no one buys land in winter — and the reduced amount of inventory — to truly stand out. Here’s what you need to do to sell property in a winter wonderland.

Get Your Message Right

Carefully consider the context in which your land is being sold. If you live in an area where winter is in full swing, market your property to buyers as a cozy getaway. If winter sports are popular in the area, make sure to highlight nearby attractions such as ski resorts, hot springs, or ice fishing locations. 

On the other hand, if you’re selling land in a warmer region that doesn’t experience much of the winter season, you have an opportunity to market your property to snowbirds looking to escape the brutal north. Some places may be too hot to be desirable in the summer months, but in the winter, they’re the perfect escape for those suffering from seasonal depression and seeking out a little sunshine. In these instances, be sure to highlight the mild temperatures and opportunities to get out and enjoy the great outdoors. 

The Proof is in the Pictures

As many home searches begin online, the pictures you share are incredibly important. Winter is the one time of the year in which your land may look significantly different compared to the other seasons. While snow can make for beautiful landscapes, it also obscures details of the home, such as the color of the roof or the landscaping. If your property is currently coated in a blanket of snow, make sure to provide pictures to buyers showing how the land looks at other times of the year.

If you’re selling in the winter, you’re likely selling around the holidays. This gives you an excellent opportunity to help buyers envision what it would be like to eat Thanksgiving dinner or open presents on Christmas morning in the home. Feel free to add holiday decorations as appropriate both inside and outside. Just be sure they don’t overpower your photos, and when the holidays are over, take them down ASAP. Buyers don’t want to see your Christmas wreath on the front door in February. 

Don’t Be Afraid of a Little Negotiation

In the winter months, inventory is typically lower, and the properties that are on the market tend to get less interest. This means less competition, and less competition means buyers will feel more comfortable negotiating on price. If you want to sell your land in winter, it may require some negotiation, but don’t let this discourage you. After all, if buyers are looking in winter, it’s likely because they’re working against a deadline such as an expiring lease or contract on their current home. They’re serious about buying a property; they just want to work out the details with you. 

Land id™: Your All-Season Marketing Tool

Our GIS mapping software is perfect for realtors selling land of all shapes and sizes. Easily create interactive, detailed maps of your properties. Choose from a variety of GIS layers, attach photos and videos, and label important features and nearby attractions. Once you’ve packed your map full of information, share it on your website, on third-party listing sites, and via email and text. Sign up today for our 7-day free trial and build your first map in minutes.