If you own a home or camp in Pittsburg, Errol, or elsewhere in the North Country, winter may be one of the best times to show buyers what makes your property worth owning. Pittsburg is known as the Snowmobiling Capital of New England, and winter is a busy selling season in our area, especially for properties with snowmobile trail access. Buyers are already here riding, getting to know the area, and looking for a place of their own.
For a property that shows well in winter, there’s a real reason to consider listing during riding season. For others, spring may make it easier for buyers to see what they’re getting. Here’s how to decide which timing fits your property.
Snowmobile season can be a selling advantage
If buyers can ride from the property to the trail, showing it during snowmobile season helps them picture a weekend there. They can see where they’d park the trailer, store their sleds, and pick up the trail. A plowed driveway, room to turn around, and a garage or other storage can matter as much to some buyers as what’s inside the camp.
Be specific about the access in your listing. Show buyers the route from the driveway to the trail and explain any road segments, private crossings, or permissions along the way. If the property is near a trailhead and buyers would need to trailer there, say how far it is and where they can park. Our article on verifying ATV and snowmobile trail access explains what buyers will want to confirm.
Make sure buyers can get in and see the property
Think about how a showing will work the day after a storm. Who plows the driveway? Where will buyers park? Can you keep the walkway clear and have the heat on for appointments? If a private road is only plowed to a certain point or the water system is winterized, explain that up front so buyers know what to expect.
For a waterfront property, acreage, or a camp with outbuildings, include photos from warmer months and identify when they were taken. Buyers can see how the property works in winter and get a better look at features the snow may cover.
Add up the cost of waiting until spring
Write down what you expect to spend while you wait. Include heat, insurance, taxes, plowing, and any mortgage payments you’ll need to budget for. If the property is vacant, account for who will check on it and clear the driveway after a storm.
If heat, insurance, taxes, and plowing add up to $1,200 a month, four extra months would cost $4,800 before mortgage interest or unexpected expenses. Compare that expense with what you expect to gain by waiting. Our article on estimating home value in Coos County and Essex County explains how comparable sales can help you set a realistic price.
Decide what buyers would see differently in spring
Spring may make sense if snow prevents buyers from seeing the shoreline, if the road is difficult to access in winter, or if you need time to finish a repair that will affect offers. If your main selling point is that buyers can ride their snowmobiles from the property, ask what they gain by waiting and what they could see for themselves during riding season.
If you’re deciding whether to finish work before listing, read Should I Sell My Home As-Is or Make Repairs First?.
If you’re thinking about selling in Coos County, New Hampshire, or Essex County, Vermont, contact A Notch Above Real Estate LLC. We can look at recent sales, how your property shows in winter, and what it would cost to wait, then help you choose a listing date that fits your plans.
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