There are a lot of different steps homeowners take to get their house ready to sell. And while the inside of a home should be in great condition, especially with 78% of home renovations consisting of bathroom remodeling, the condition of the home’s exterior is just as important. Unfortunately, it isn’t always easy to have great curb appeal during the winter months — but it’s certainly possible. So to help your home look its best this winter, here are a few curb appeal tips and tricks to consider.

Prioritize Safety

The winter weather often brings plenty of snow and ice. And you don’t want any potential buyers to not even make it inside your home because they slipped and fell in the driveway. So before a viewing, make sure to properly shovel the driveway, sidewalk, and stairs. If you can, throw some rock salt down to prevent further slipping. Additionally, you should always make sure potential buyers have somewhere safe to park their car away from snow banks and plow routes. And don’t forget the lighting — not only does outdoor lighting show off your home better in the dark, but it can help maximize safety. So all in all, make sure your home is safe as well as aesthetically pleasing.

Utilize Holiday Decorations

Just because the holidays are over, that doesn’t mean you can’t take advantage of the decorations. If you happen to still have your white Christmas lights up outside, consider leaving them up for viewings. They can help brighten up the outside of your house and give potential buyers a good idea of what kind of decorating can be done to the exterior of the house. Additionally, if you have wreaths that consist of berries or greenery, consider putting them on the front door. Any other lights or greenery can be used on railings, bushes, and even lighting fixtures. Giving your home a little pizzazz with decorations can make a big difference.

Focus on the Front Entry

When someone visits your house for a viewing, one of the first things they’re going to notice is the front entry, especially with the yard and home covered in snow. This is why it’s important to ensure your front porch is welcoming and put together. If your front door is looking a little dull, consider adding a new coat of paint, perhaps even in a brighter color to attract more attention. Additionally, any old light fixtures should be cleaned or replaced with more modern features. And if you don’t already have a welcome mat, consider buying one — they’re both inviting and practical, especially for snow-covered boots. The initial impression of your front entry will set the tone for the rest of the viewing, so make sure it’s in its best condition.

Make Necessary Repairs

The exterior of your home consists of several different elements, like windows, siding, the roof, and even the gutters. If you’ve slacked on maintaining the exterior of your home, now is the time to get it in good condition. Homeowners tend to spend between 1% to 4% of their home’s value on repairs and maintenance each year, but it is worth it to keep the home in good condition. So whether windows need to be replaced or siding needs to be painted, now is the time to do it. Fortunately, the majority of newer roofs can withstand 15 to 30 poundsper square foot of snow, but it’s still important to inspect your roof for damages. Even if damage to the roof or siding is small, it’s going to make a big impact. Potential buyers are looking for a house they won’t need to make a lot of repairs on, so doing it now will help increase the chances of a quick and reasonable sale.

While it’s true that most people choose to move during the summer months, with 13.9% of moves in 2016 occurring in June, winter is still a great time to sell. And if you keep these curb appeal tips in mind, a sale may come sooner than you think.