SALE PENDING (x2)

Gorgeous Mediterranean in Cobblestone Estates / SALE PENDING

Sale Pending in SW Visalia

Catching up...

SOLD in Avalon / NW Visalia

SOLD in Bella Sera / NW Visalia

SOLD on Monte Verde / SW Visalia

SOLD on Eastfield / Tulare

We've been productive!  Interested in Buying or Selling...we'd be happy to answer your questions.

Very sincerely,

Jillian (& Team)

SOLD and SOLD :-)

N. Pratos in Da Vinci / Listed at $1,040,000

N. Oliveto in Bella Sera / Listed at $199,000

Congratulations you lucky Buyers...Cheers to you :-)

Wishing you a wonderful weekend!!

SOLD by Jillian Bos

5432 W. Dorothea in SW Visalia

SOLD and CLOSED...in exactly 2 weeks!  Reading in the papers, and hearing in the media that these types of deals aren't happening...well, they are, and they're so much FUN :-)


Wishing you a fabulous week!


Very sincerely,
Jillian

Reduced in Savannah Heights!

3500 sq. ft. home, 1/2 acre lot in SAVANNAH HEIGHTS / $509,000

PENDING on Pratos

1610 N. Pratos in Da Vinci / Listed at $1,040,000

Finishing this week with a bang!  Happy Friday...wishing you a fabulous weekend :-)


Very sincerely,
Jillian

Just Listed!

Adorable 3 bed, 2 bath, + office home in Southwest Visalia. Immaculate, clean, and well maintained. Lots of windows, very light & bright. Maple flooring in living room, kitchen, and breakfast nook. Charming French doors in living room, office, and master bedroom. Backyard features large covered patio. Utility sink, lots of cabinets, and workspace in garage. Manicured front and backyard landscaping. This is a FANTASTIC investment opportunity! Call to arrange your private showing to see this very happy house!
Listed at $155,000
Presented by JILLIAN BOS

Just because I like it...

Just Listed....1610 N. Pratos / Da Vinci

Spectacular, Mediterranean style home in gated Da Vinci. This brand new, luxurious property in NW Visalia features designer-perfect main house, beautifully appointed guest quarters, sprawling backyard, & pool complete with waterfalls. The chef's kitchen features top-of-the-line appliances, including wine refrigerator & warming drawer. Large center island with prep sink and charming breakfast nook. Fabulous split floorplan. Master suite features stunning fireplace. Master bath boasts separate his & hers closets, 2 vanities, and jacuzzi tub. Wired for surround sound inside & out. Laundry room has counter space, cabinets & utility sink. Additionally, this home has a formal dining area, office, and 3 car garage, with plenty of storage. Guest home is perfectly finished, consistent with the design of the home, and features a kitchen, bathroom, and closet space. This exquisite property has pristine landscaping, and is perfect for entertaining.

Call to arrange your private showing today!

Offered for $1,040,000

Listed by JILLIAN BOS

Look at all those smokin' deals!

Situated on a 1/2 acre in SAVANNAH HEIGHTS, $519,000

Spectacular Mediterranean in COBBLESTONE ESTATES, $685,000

Immaculate home with 5 car garage in BONAVENTURE, $575,000

JUST LISTED by Jillian Bos

1940 N. Rova St.

Spectacular, Spanish style home in gated Cobblestone! This luxurious property in NW Visalia features designer-perfect main house, beautifully appointed casita, sprawling backyard, & pool complete with a rock waterfall. Chef's kitchen features top-of-the-line appliances, including wine refrigerator & warming drawer. Large island with prep sink & charming breakfast nook which leads to large side yard. Fabulous split floorplan. Master suite features French doors leading to courtyard with peaceful water fountain. Master bath boasts separate his & hers closets, dressing areas, vanities, walk-through shower, and jacuzzi tub. Alder wood cabinets throughout. Wired for surround sound inside & out. Laundry room has counter space, cabinets & utility sink. 3 car garage, with plenty of storage. This exquisite property has pristine landscaping, enchanting night time lighting, and is perfect for entertaining. Patio features remote controlled retractable awning.

Call to arrange your private showing today!

4 Bedrooms / 4 Bathrooms / 3670 Sq. Ft. / Built in 2004
$719,000

Presented by: JILLIAN BOS

3430 E. Hillcrest / BONAVENTURE

A Fabulous New Price!

3430 E. Hillcrest Ave. in gated "Bonaventure"

This immaculate, well maintained home features luxurious custom details throughout. Spacious master suite has sliding doors leading to pristine backyard, built in desk and entertainment center, and his & hers separate closets, lined with cedar wood. Master bath is light and bright with door to outside courtyard, his & hers vanities, shower with bench, and glass block surrounding large jacuzzi tub. Kitchen boasts large center island, SubZero refrigerator, wine storage, and stove has gas outlet available. Charming breakfast nook is surrounded with large windows and built in area for computer work station and TV. Grand great room with high ceilings, built in entertainment center, marble faced fireplace, and wired for surround sound. Exquisite formal living room and formal dining rooms. Unique ceiling treatments and stain glass details throughout.  5 car garage with workshop and RV parking.

4 BEDROOMS / 2.5 BATHROOMS / 3100 SQ.FT.

Listed for $595,000

*DISCLOSURE: When you come to visit this lovely home, please understand, the furry friend, Hairy (you'll recognize him by his happy eyes, blond locks, and lively bark) who lives is the backyard, IS NOT included in the sale.

MUST SEE...call for your private showing today!

Very sincerely,
Jillian

Visalia Lifestyle Magazine

A real estate update, written by yours truly, is featured in this month's issue of "Visalia Lifestyle" magazine...

For those interested in the Cliff's Notes version...skip to the last line (my favorite)...

"Despite life's uncertainties, we do know there are tremendous opportunities in the housing market ... Now, more than ever, those opportunities are right here at home."

Just Listed!

Traditional Sale! This immaculate SE Visalia home is conveniently located near shopping center and restaurants. New paint and flooring in living room, dining room, and kitchen. Crown moulding throughout entry, living room, and dining room. Master bathroom features soaking tub and large walk-in closet. Colorful landscaping in front and back yards. Above ground pool for cooling down on those hot summer days.
Must see...call for your private showing today!

3 Bedrooms / 2.5 Bathrooms / 2359 Sq.Ft.
 
Offered for $215,000


Presented by JILLIAN BOS

Renting vs. Buying

Did you catch the front page of the paper today?  If not, no worries...I gotcha covered:

As thousands of families are losing their homes, property values remain low and construction is at a standstill, one thing has increased in the last year: rentals. And as the economy slowly recovers, the cost to rent has increased.

For the 38 percent of Tulare County residents who rent apartments, condominiums or homes, their rent may soon see a spike, according to local rental managers. And as the number of available rentals dwindles, those looking for a place to rent may find it more difficult.

"We have a wait list for this summer of people hoping to get a unit," said Tony Montelongo, who manages Sierra Ridge apartments in Visalia. "We are at the highest numbers we've been at in seven years." 

The Sierra Ridge complex isn't the only set of apartments seeing an influx in renters. Most sites are at or near capacity. The average vacancy was 2 percent in Visalia and Tulare, according to property mangers interviewed Tuesday. 

The Oak Valley complex on East Cross Avenue in Tulare has one apartment available out of 109 units. The high numbers for complexes like Oak Valley and Summerfield in northwest Visalia mean higher rent and fewer incentives. 

Managers in Visalia and Tulare said rent has increased and will land between $10 and $20 higher a month by the end of July. Property managers say the increase is a direct result of higher demand. Move-in specials and incentives have also become nearly nonexistent, as most managers say they don't need them anymore. 

"It's a good thing. We're seeing growth for the first time in a while," said Myra Ramirez, who manages the Oak Valley complex. 

Market researcher Reis estimates apartment rents will increase 4.3 percent this year, the biggest jump since 2008. 

Other researchers who follow rents nationwide estimate rents will rise at least 5 percent.

But with the increase, the research companies also expect 90,000 fewer apartment units to be built this year and a third fewer homes. 

In April 2010, there were 112 apartments and 105 homes advertised for rent in the Times-Delta/Advance-Register. This April, there were 61 apartments and 99 homes.

Visalia Times Delta 

WHAT THIS MEANS:  Now is a great time to purchase investment properties.

WHAT THIS MEANS IF YOU'RE CURRENTLY RENTING:  “Why are you renting when you can buy”?  The reason I ask, is because record low interest rates + tax benefits of homeownership add up to a bang bang combo!  This is an opportunity to pay your own mortgage, vs. paying someone else's mortgage for them.  Not to mention, renting is literally "throwing money away", vs. putting your hard earned money toward something you have the opportunity to make money on if you have the need for a place to live for 5-7 years.

Let me break it down for you:

Below are estimated monthly payments for FHA loans, based on corresponding purchase price amounts:

LOAN SPECIFICATIONS: 3.5% Down Payment, 30 Year Term, 4.5% Fixed Interest Rate

$150,000……….$1015        $200,000……….$1354
$160,000……….$1151        $210,000……….$1422
$180,000……….$1219        $220,000……….$1489
$190,000……….$1286        $230,000……….$1557

*Estimated monthly payments are comprised of PITI {Principle, Interest, Taxes, Insurance}
**Mortgage data provided by Jeremy Engle of Kings Mortgage {www.kingsmortgage.com 559.713.1068}

HOME.

This month marks my one year anniversary of doing business in Visalia.  I'm not going to lie, it was NOT an easy task, getting started in real estate...again...after leaving my business in West LA.  However, it has been a wonderfully exciting year.  Being born and raised in Visalia, I thought I knew everyone...not the case!  I've met so many fabulous people, clients who have become friends, and I'm so thankful to be a Team Leader at the most rockin' firm in town...Keller Williams (that will be us - all 260 of us - filling up the big, beautiful new building on Main Street, across from the movie theatre & Crawdaddy's).

As you can see, I've been a bit busy...  "Finally!", my darling husband says :-)  What a difference a year makes!

Now, more than ever, it feels great to be HOME.

Thank you...and very sincerely,

Jillian

MAY DAY...New Listing :-)

3430 E. Hillcrest in Bonaventure

This immaculate, well maintained home features luxurious custom details throughout. Beautifully appointed master suite has sliding doors leading to pristine backyard, built in desk and entertainment center, and his & hers separate closets, lined with cedar.  Master bath is light and bright with door to outside courtyard, his & hers vanities, shower with bench, and glass block surrounding large jacuzzi tub.  Kitchen boasts large center island, Sub Zero refrigerator, wine storage, and stove has gas outlet available.  Charming breakfast nook is surrounded with large windows and built in area for computer work station and TV.  Grand great room with high ceilings, built in entertainment center, marble faced fireplace, and wired for surround sound.  Exquisite formal living room and formal dining rooms.  Unique ceiling treatments and stain glass details throughout.  5 car garage with workshop and RV parking.
Must see...call for your private showing today!

4 BEDROOMS / 2.5 BATHROOMS / 3100 SQ.FT.
 
Offered for $625,000
Presented by JILLIAN BOS

Wishing you a wonderful weekend!

SOLD.  A great way to end the week, and kick off the weekend.


Very sincerely,
Jillian

Just Listed...and Just SOLD.

 

Just Listed turned into Just SOLD...in just ONE DAY!

The Spring Buying season has arrived :-)

Wishing you a lovely Easter weekend!

Very sincerely,

Jillian

Disclaimer: These are Martha's eggs....not mine.  But if I had time to dye Easter Eggs, I wish they would look like these :-)

Adorable, Adorable, Adorable in Beverly Glen

621 S. Divisadero St., Visalia.

Just letting you all know, a beautiful little jewel came on the market this past weekend in Beverly Glen :-)

New day...new FABULOUS listing!

Fabulous, dream home tucked away in picturesque Kings Estates. Pride of ownership! This immaculate, beautifully maintained charmer has been extensively updated. Chef's dream kitchen has large center island, and all new stainless steel appliances, including double ovens, Kohler sink, expansive breakfast bar, and more. This home boasts formal living and dining rooms, and large great room with vaulted ceilings and cozy, brick fireplace. The huge master suite features a sitting area, and french doors leading to outdoor spa. Fabulous master bath features a soaking tub and walk-in closet. Extra large bedrooms with big windows. Enchanting backyard complete with covered patio, storage shed, sparkling pool, spa, and sun deck. Additionally, this incredible home is surrounded by mature, plush landscaping, and nestled in a desirable, well established neighborhood. 

This home is a must see...call to schedule your private showing today! 

4 bedrooms / 2.5 bathrooms
large, beautifully landscaped lot with pool + spa
2,856 square feet 

$275,000 

Presented by JILLIAN BOS

NEW, NEW, NEW!!!

4333 W. Harold Ave. NW Visalia / "The Ranch"

Fabulous home in The Ranch, near Oak Grove School! This immaculate, well maintained home boasts a formal living and formal dining room, and a dream kitchen with granite countertops, and large center island. The master suite features a huge master bathroom. 4 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, plus loft and office/computer workspace. Expansive backyard features a covered patio.

Built in 2003

4 bedrooms

2.5 bathrooms

2399 square feet

Offered at $209,000
Presented by: JILLIAN BOS

A must see...call for your private showing today! 

---

2 NEW + 1 REDUCED

5637 W. Prospect Dr. / THE LAKES

Last lot available on the main lake! This approximately 8,500 square foot lot on the main-lake in The Lakes Gated community features stunning views down the main-lake accented by three lighted fountains and beautiful sunsets. With just over 65 feet of main lake frontage that is perfect for a large boat dock & patio deck, and a large pond with another fountain in front of the lot, this property is practically surrounded by water. This is the last lot available in Visalia's most prestigious residential community. Plans approved by The Lakes HOA for an approx. 3,700 square foot home are also included with purchase if desired. Ownership in The Lakes also provides the use of two beautiful clubhouses, two swimming pools, tennis court, walking trails, private water well, the lakes & lagoons for boating & fishing, maintenance of front yards, a 24-hour staffed guard house at the gated entrance, and roving security patrols at night.

1807 N. Noyes / COBBLESTONE ESTATES

Build the home of your dreams in this prestigious, gated subdivison in Northwest Visalia! Cobblestone is home to many of the city's most beautiful custom homes. House plans are available, upon request.

3544 E. Harvard Ct. / BONAVENTURE

Fantastic Opportunity in one of Visalia's most desirable gated communities. Build the home of your dreams in this private subdivision.

That's all for now.....more to come, so please stay tuned!

Very sincerely,

Jillian

JUST LISTED by Jillian Bos

6504 West Cambridge Court / SW Visalia

Fabulous custom home on over 1/2 acre lot in Savannah Heights. This stunning property features a sparkling pool, sprawling backyard, fruit trees, and a large home for entertaining...while conveniently located in SW Visalia. This home has been extensively updated with new granite and stainless steel appliances in kitchen, travertine floors, and remodeled bathrooms. Huge family room with vaulted ceilings, charming breakfast nook, large windows and tons of storage throughout. The master suite features a jacuzzi tub and massive walk in closet. Additionally, this home is situated on a cornerlot on a cul-de-sac street.
A must see...call for your private showing today!

4 bed / 3.5 bath / 3500 square feet / 0.53 acre lot
$569,900

New Listing!!

3845 W. Flagstaff Ave.

Fabulous, well maintained home in gated Avalon neighborhood in NW Visalia. Kitchen features granite countertops, large center island, and charming breakfast nook. Formal dining and formal living rooms, plus upstairs loft. Low maintenance backyard...immaculate, well kept home...schedule your private showing today!

Built in 2007

2173 square feet

$165,900

Just Listed in Da Vinci

You must see to believe all 4863 square feet of this impeccable, luxurious abode in gated Da Vinci. Built in 2007, the chef's kitchen is fully equipped with top of the line appliances, with an additional Butler's Pantry/Dirty Kitchen. This exquisite home also features a private casita, stone wine room, and massive utility room with laundry and computer work station. Knotty Alder custom cabinetry throughout. Master suite features a fireplace and sitting room, and master bath boasts a jacuzzi tub (fills from the ceiling), 2 separate sinks, fireplace, walk-in shower, huge walk-in closet. Designed for 5-star entertaining, a full outdoor kitchen, 2-way fireplace, lap pool with waterfall, saltwater jacuzzi, and flatscreens. Landscaped with exotic trees from all over California. All systems found in this home are state of the art using the latest technology. Custom details and only the finest finishes...too many features to list!

Call to arrange your private showing today!

$1,650,000

Presented by: JILLIAN BOS & MATT GRAHAM

THIS MONTH IN REAL ESTATE / February 2011

Gradual improvement in the housing market continues at a steady pace without government support. Six months after two consecutive years of tax incentives for buyers; starting in July 2008 with a $7,500 repayable first-time buyer tax credit, extending to a $8,000 nonrepayable first-time buyer tax credit in January 2009, and ending in June 2010 with the expanded credit to repeat buyers; the market has shown remarkable improvement from the initial drop this past July. With mortgage rates remaining near historic lows and home prices having generally stabilized, economists are expecting further strength in 2011.

Consumers are showing some signs that they’re feeling better: a significant boost in the food and services industry implies they are eating out more, vacations are back on the rise as spending on travel and tourism increased 8% in the third quarter, and household net worth has risen notably thanks to a strong stock market even as they continue to shrink their debt.

As the economy improves, current stimulus efforts by the government and the Federal Reserve Board are expected to gradually wind down, which typically means rising interest rates. Meanwhile, buyers continue to benefit from historically favorable buying conditions and sellers enjoy increased stability in the market.

Home Sales (in millions)

The uptrend in existing home sales activity continued through December, increasing by a substantial 12.3% from a month ago. This marks the fifth monthly increase in the past six months and indicates a recovery that’s gaining a firmer footing. While home sales remained 2.9% below the level seen last year, the market’s upward momentum, despite the absence of the tax credit, is a welcoming sign.

Home Price (in thousands)

Home prices softened in December: median home prices edged down slightly to $168,800, 1% below the year-ago level. Contributing to this is a larger share of distressed homes sales which accounted for 36% of sales in December. This is compared to 33% in November 2010 and 32% in December 2009. Prices continue to hold steady and mortgage rates remain historically low, offering favorable buying opportunities.

Inventory- Month's Supply (in months)

The surge in home sales and a shrinking inventory pared down the month’s supply to 8.1 months. This is down 1.4 months from November but remains 0.9 months above last year at this time. While still at a relatively high level historically, months of inventory has declined steadily from its peak of 12.5 months in July and is now back to pre-tax credit expiration levels. 

Source: National Association of Realtors - December housing data released Janurary 20.

Interest Rates

Mortgage rates are inching up but remain historically low. This trend continues to support home buying, as it translates to significant savings for buyers. As overall economic recovery remains on track, rates are expected to rise to keep inflation in check. 

Type	Rate
30 year fixed	4.81%
15 year fixed	4.08%
5/1-year ARM	3.69%
30 year average for a 30 year fixed rate mortgage	8.9%

Source: Freddie Mac, Rates as of Feb 7 .

Topics For Home Owners, Buyers & Sellers

  ‘Anti-Flipping’ Waiver Extension

In 2003 the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) feared that flipping homes was the cause of the skyrocketing home prices throughout individual neighborhoods. Because of this, the FHA no longer approved property loans that were resold within 90 days of the original purchase, with the exception of foreclosures owned by government sponsored enterprises (GSEs) such as FHA, Fannie Mae, and Freddie Mac. The anti-flipping rule is designed to help protect the FHA’s mortgage insurance program and federally chartered financial institutions from losses.

In February 2010, the FHA initiated a one-year suspension on the regulation that prevented “flippers” from purchasing single-family homes and releasing them into the market within 90 days. Since then, the FHA says it has insured 21,000 loans that had exchanged hands within the previous 90 days. The loans are worth more than $3.6 billion and would not have qualified for financing before suspension. An analysis of these loans suggest they do not present a greater credit risk than other loans, which lent support to the suspension’s extension.

The government sent a notice to banks in mid-January of 2011 in which it announced the extension of the waiver through the end of the year. According to FHA Commissioner David Stevens, the purpose of the extension was to accelerate the resale of REO properties in neighborhoods where there is a high rate of foreclosure. This will facilitate the purchase of homes that have recently been “flipped.” As a result, foreclosed properties will be moved off the market faster, reducing the amount of vacant homes in neighborhoods throughout the United States.

Limitations considered by the FHA consist of the following:

1. 20% Rule. If resale is higher than 20% of the original price, one must show proof of justified price. For example, if a $200,000 house is purchased and the resell price is $245,000, the house must undergo additional underwriting guidelines, which is considered a double appraisal.
2. Title Hold. No simultaneous closings are allowed when the seller holds a property. In other words, back-to-back, same-day closings to an FHA end-buyer is prohibited.
3. Short-term Funding. Investors must come up with short-term funding of the 30-to-60-day variety if their desire is to buy/fund and in order to sell to an FHA end-buyer.
4. Previous Flips. A property cannot show signs of prior flipping activity. If so, the FHA has the right to object.
5. Transactions at Arm’s Length. Transactions must show no identity of interest between the buyer and the seller or other parties that participate in the sale of a property.

Overall, this will help lower holding costs for investors/flippers allowing them to continue flipping more properties. In return, this will help bring more desirable homes to the market for first-time home buyers.

Source: Inman News, ReatlyTimes.com

JUST LISTED by Jillian Bos

5704 West Prospect Drive in THE LAKES

This inviting home located in The Lakes gated community has 5 bedrooms, 3 1/2 bathrooms, and features beautiful front and backyard landscaping, complete with stately oak tree in front. An elegant formal living room with fireplace beautifully flows into a formal dining room with access to a well equipped kitchen. Off the kitchen is a second family room with fireplace. An entertainer's delight...9 cars can be parked in the driveway, and the kitchen opens up to a family room and also a sprawling backyard. The master suite opens to an expansive deck, and also boasts a soaking tub and large walk in closet. Plantation shutters throughout. Make an appointment to see this quintessential family home!

Listed for $899,000

Presented by JILLIAN BOS

THIS MONTH IN REAL ESTATE / January 2011

The housing market is recovering. As more home buyers are taking advantage of the improved affordability conditions. With mortgage rates hovering around recent record lows and home prices having generally stabilized, economists are expecting an upward trend to a healthy and sustainable level in 2011.

Encouraging signs are showing up across the economy. Retail sales recently hit their highest level since before the recession. Key measures of small and big businesses’ optimism marched back up to prerecession levels and new claims for jobless benefits are trending lower. Together they bode well for steady job creation and improved consumer confidence which is generally manifested in more spending.

As the economy improves, current stimulus efforts by the government and the Federal Reserve Board are expected to gradually wind down. Meanwhile, serious buyers stand to benefit from historically favorable buying conditions.

Home Sales

Existing home sales resumed on an upward trend since bottoming in July. Sales activity rose to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 4.68 million in November. This was up 22% from July and 5.6% above the 4.43 million level in October, but remained 27.9% below the 6.49 million tax credit rush a year ago. As steady job creation is expected to continue, industry experts are hopeful for 2011.

Home Price

Home prices continued to stabilize. Median home prices edged up slightly to $170,600, 0.4% above year-ago levels. Distressed homes have accounted for a fairly stable market share, representing 33% of sales in November. This is on par with the 34% in October and 33% in November 2009. Historically favorable interest rates, coupled with stable home prices, continue to offer advantageous buying opportunities .

Inventory

The number of homes on the market continued to decline. Total inventory fell to 3.71 million in November from 3.86 million in October. This reflects the increasing response from buyers to improved affordability conditions. As lending standards return to historical norms and consumers become more confident about their financial situation, more people will be able to buy their first home, move up, or invest.

Affordability

Housing affordability set a new record in November. The relationship between mortgage rates, home prices, and family income is the most favorable on record for buying. The home price-to-income ratio, currently at 13.5%, continues to remain well below the historical standard. Stabilizing home prices and rising interest rates are expected to begin drawing affordability back up toward more normal levels.

Source: National Association of Realtors - October housing data released December 22.

Interest Rates

Mortgage rates are inching up but remain historically low. This trend continues to support home buying as it translates to significant savings for buyers. As overall economic recovery remains on track, rates are expected to rise to keep inflation in check.

Type	Rate
30 year fixed	4.77%
15 year fixed	4.13%
5/1-year ARM	3.75%
30 year average for a 30 year fixed rate mortgage	8.9%

Source: Freddie Mac, Rates as of Jan 7, 2011

Topics For Home Owners, Buyers & Sellers

 

Use the Season to Your Home-Selling Advantage

While summer is generally known as the peak season for home sales activity, the winter can also offer great advantages for sellers – such as less competition from other sellers. With a little effort, you can use the season to your home-selling advantage.

Let’s put these ideas to work, so your home shows at its best.

Keep snow and ice at bay. If the buyer can't get in easily, the house won't sell. That means keeping walkways and driveways free of the frozen stuff. You want to make the home look well maintained.

Warm it up. Think warm, cozy, and homey. Before a buyer comes through, adjust the thermostat to a warmer temperature to make it welcoming. If you have a fireplace, turning it on right before the tour can create a more welcoming ambience.

Emphasize winter positives. Is your home on a bus route or some other vital service that means it's plowed or deiced regularly in bad weather? Be sure to mention that to the buyers.

Make it festive. Even if you're not actually going to be present, greet your buyers as if they were going to be guests at a party. Set up the dinner table with the good china and silver. Have a plate of cookies for your guests, some warm cider, or even chilled bottles of water.

Use the season to your advantage.  When the holidays are over, you can still use winter wreaths and dried arrangements around the door to spark interest. In the winter, with the leaves off the trees, you might also have a nice view that isn't as apparent in the spring and summer months.

Source: msn.com