If you’ve been thinking of jumping into the home market, you’ve no doubt been advised to wait until spring. Buyers are like hibernating bears, many say: they hide out in the winter in droves.

While that’s surely an overstatement – particularly in Colorado, where we have so many sunny winter days – it’s true that the market is less active in January, February and March. But studies have shown that the difference in speed of sale and sales price between spring and winter is negligible. In fact, according to the online real estate experts at Redfin, the seasons are only separated by one percentage point.

Furthermore, homeowners listing in winter enjoy some advantages over those listing in other seasons. For example, the property’s landscaping takes on less importance, so sellers don’t have to worry as much about getting the yard in shape and investing in flowers to enhance curb appeal. In addition, there are fewer “lookiloos” in winter; the buyers who show up are serious and often in a hurry to find a home. Finally, if your home lacks an air conditioning system, this will seem less critical to buyers in winter months.

• If you are planning to put your home on the market in the coming weeks, Redfin offers these tips:
• Price the home carefully: Because there are fewer buyers in the market at this time, it’s a problematic time to list high.
• Make sure the home feels warm and cozy: Stack wood by the fireplace; lay throw blankets over couches.
• Pay attention to curb appeal: While landscaping is less important, it’s still nice to welcome buyers by sprucing up the yard and front porch — for example, placing pots near the door filled with pinecones and other winter-decorative items.

Learn more about selling your home by clicking here.