Winter Real Estate: Keeping Your Listings Active When It's Cold Outside
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By Ron Alfred De Guzman, MaxWell Realty Insights | November 17, 2025
Every Canadian real estate agent knows the challenge: it's December, there's fresh snow everywhere, and you've got a showing scheduled. Your seller is worried. "Will anyone even show up in this weather?"
Here's the good news: winter doesn't stop the real estate market. It just changes it. And if you know how to work with the season instead of against it, you might find some real advantages.
What Winter Really Means for Real Estate
Let's be honest, winter is slower. December through February typically sees fewer home sales across Canada. The Canadian Real Estate Association forecasted a modest dip for 2025, and winter months naturally see less activity.
But here's the interesting part: the buyers who do show up in winter are usually serious. They're not just browsing on a sunny Saturday afternoon. The reasons to buy now are job relocations, family changes, and investment opportunities. These are people ready to make decisions.
Think of winter as quality over quantity. Fewer showings, but better prospects.
Making Homes Show Well in Winter
The basics matter even more when it's cold and dark outside. Here's what helps:
Outside the Home
Keep walkways and driveways clear. It sounds obvious, but it's critical. Check the weather forecast and plan to shovel or plow before showings. Use salt that's safe for pets if the homeowners have animals.
Consider adding simple pathway lighting. Solar lights are inexpensive and make a big difference when showings happen after dark (which in December might be 4:30 PM).
Inside the Home
Make it warm and welcoming. Set the heat to a comfortable temperature before buyers arrive, around 21-22°C works well. Nobody lingers in a cold house.
Add lighting wherever you can. Winter means darker rooms, so turn on every lamp and consider adding a few extra if rooms feel dim. Warm-toned bulbs create a cozier feeling than harsh white lights.
Simple staging touches help: a throw blanket on the couch, good mats at the door for boots, maybe a candle or subtle air freshener. You're helping buyers imagine living there comfortably, not just surviving there.
Reaching Winter Buyers
Your marketing should speak to what matters in winter:
- Mention heated garages or parking
- Highlight good insulation or newer furnaces
- Emphasize covered entryways or mudrooms
- Note working fireplaces
These features matter more to winter buyers than summer ones.
Virtual tours become especially valuable. Not everyone wants to drive across town in a snowstorm for a first look. Let them preview online, and the ones who do come see it in person are already interested.
The Timing Question
Should clients list in December? It depends on their situation, but there are some reasons to consider it:
Interest rates have been coming down, which helps buyer confidence. There's less competition from other listings. And serious buyers looking now want to close deals—they're not waiting around.
Looking ahead, industry forecasts suggest 2026 could see stronger activity, particularly in the first quarter. Listing now means catching motivated buyers immediately while also positioning for spring momentum.
A Simple Winter Approach
You don't need to overthink this. Here's the basic formula:
1. Keep it accessible
Clear snow. Light the path. Make it easy to get to the front door.
2. Make it comfortable
Warm temperature. Good lighting. Clean and inviting.
3. Market the right features
Focus on what matters in cold weather. Use virtual tours to save everyone time.
4. Work with serious buyers
The people showing up in February are ready to move forward. Be prepared to negotiate and close efficiently.
Why This Matters
Winter real estate requires a bit more effort—earlier mornings to check on snow, backup plans for storm days, extra attention to details. But that extra effort is exactly what sets professionals apart.
Your clients aren't just hiring someone to list their home. They're hiring someone who delivers results year-round, regardless of weather.
The buyers are out there. They're motivated. They're ready. The question is whether the homes they're looking at are ready for them.
Looking Ahead
Yes, December will probably be quieter than June. But quiet doesn't mean unsuccessful. With the right preparation, winter listings can attract the ones who close deals instead of just browsing.
Smart preparation. Clear communication. Professional follow-through. These matter all year, but they stand out even more when the weather gets tough.
So clear those walkways, turn on those lights, and create spaces that feel like warm refuges from the cold. Your competition might be waiting for spring. Your clients are counting on you now.
DISCLAIMER: This editorial is intended for general information and entertainment purposes only. It is not intended to provide specific real estate, legal, financial, or professional advice. Real estate markets vary significantly by region, and individual circumstances differ greatly. The strategies and suggestions discussed here are general observations and should not be considered personalized recommendations. For specific advice tailored to your unique situation, property, or local market conditions, please contact your nearest MaxWell real estate associate who can provide professional guidance based on your specific needs and circumstances.
Ready to discuss your specific winter listing strategy? Connect with a MaxWell Real estate associate in your area for personalized, professional guidance.