Selling Your Home in Stick Season

As the foliage fades and the snowflakes aren’t yet making their full appearance, the period known as “stick season” settles into the Sunday River region. Like the familiar Noah Kahan song, this is a quieter time when trees are bare and the landscape transitions, which may not seem like a prime time to list a home. But, stick season can actually offer unique advantages to sellers. Here’s why listing your property during this season could work in your favor.

1. Serious Buyers Are Still Looking

Stick season brings out serious, motivated buyers. These are people who are committed to finding a home, often with the goal of settling in before the peak of winter or taking advantage of the ski season. Since there are fewer casual browsers, showings tend to be more purposeful and lead to quicker offers.

2. Showcase Winter-Ready Features

Stick season is the perfect time to highlight the winter-ready aspects of your home. With the first chill in the air, buyers appreciate features like efficient heating systems, cozy fireplaces, well-insulated windows, and snow-friendly entryways. By preparing your home to look warm and inviting, you can help buyers envision a cozy winter retreat, enhancing its appeal during showings.

3. Flexible Scheduling for Winter Move-In

Selling during stick season allows buyers to close and move in before winter fully sets in, especially those hoping to get settled in time for the holidays or the first snowfall at Sunday River Resort. A stick season sale also makes your home more accessible for buyers to schedule inspections, appraisals, and moving dates without the interference of extreme winter weather.

4. Embrace the Unique Landscape

While the landscape is more subdued, the quiet beauty of stick season can help buyers imagine what the home will look like year-round, from the snow-covered tranquility of winter to the vibrant green of spring and summer. It also offers a chance to show off year-round features like nearby hiking trails, mountain views, and neighborhood amenities without the crowds or seasonal busyness.

Tips for Selling Your Home in Stick Season

  • Stage for Warmth: Emphasize warmth with seasonal decor, cozy blankets, and well-lit spaces. Consider lighting a fire in the fireplace for showings, if possible.
  • Highlight Nearby Winter Attractions: Mention the proximity to Sunday River or Mt. Abram, local snowshoeing trails, and other winter activities, so buyers can envision enjoying the region throughout the colder months.
  • Stay on Top of Maintenance: Clean gutters, rake leaves, and make sure the exterior looks well-maintained. A little extra curb appeal goes a long way when the landscape is bare.

Selling in stick season may seem unconventional, but it comes with unique benefits that can help you stand out in a less crowded market. If you’re considering selling in the Sunday River region, stick season might just be the ideal window to attract serious buyers before the busy winter season begins.

Contact Sunday River Real Estate today to learn more about selling your home this season and how we can help make your listing shine, even as the leaves fall away.

Whether it’s a slopeside home or a cozy retreat in Bethel, let’s make this stick season the perfect time to find the right buyer for your home!

About the Author
Sunday River Real Estate
Sunday River Real Estate serves the greater Bethel community and is the official real estate agency of Sunday River Ski Resort, working with buyers and sellers of all types of property across the region. Whether you're looking for a slopeside condominium, an old farm house, a new chalet or the perfect piece of land to build on, we're here to help you make this place your home.