There’s a common myth in real estate that you should just "wait until the lilacs bloom" to list your home. While spring definitely brings more foot traffic, winter may bring the right traffic.
Think about it: who is trekking through a blizzard on a Tuesday night to look at a split-level in Woodbury? It’s not the casual window shoppers. It’s the people who just got a job relocation, the families whose lease is up, or the buyers who have been outbid three times in the summer and are determined to find a home before the next school semester.
When you learn how to sell your home in the winter, you might realize you aren't fighting for attention against 50 other listings on the same block. Your home is the main event, and your Realtor® and brokerage will help it shine.
Minnesota Winter Market Overview: The 2026 Reality
If you’ve looked at the numbers lately, you know the Minnesota market takes a breather when the ground freezes and snow falls. According to our Minnesota Realtors® January 2026 Report, activity slowed down in part due to that classic blast of arctic air that hits Minnesota every year like clockwork.
Key Stats to Know:
-
Pricing Resilience: Despite fewer sales, the median sales price actually increased by 1.5% statewide, hovering around $335,000 (Minnesota Realtors®).
The Takeaway: Inventory is tight—down about 29% when compared to inventory in July 2025. However, this "lull" can be seen as a massive opportunity for sellers! With fewer choices, your home becomes a premium option for serious buyers who have fewer houses to compete for.
Showing Tips & Tricks: Creating Curb Appeal in the Snow
In the summer, you have flowers, green grass, and a steady stream of blue skies. In a Minnesota winter, you have... gray. But with the right help, there is no limit to how you can make that gray look "grand."
1. The "Safety First" Rule
This is the most important tip: Shovel. Salt. Repeat. If a buyer slips on your walkway, the showing is over before it begins. Ensure the driveway is wide enough for an SUV, and that walkways are cleared right down to the pavement. According to the National Association of REALTORS®, making the exterior safe should be the #1 priority for winter sellers.
2. Light Up the Night
Since it gets dark around 4:30 PM in Minnesota during the winter months, your "curb appeal" is often happening in the dark. Use warm LED outdoor lighting along paths and consider "twinkle" lights or a tasteful wreath to make the entrance feel intentional and bright, not spooky and uninviting.
3. Visualizing the Greenery
Minnesota buyers aren't naive—they know there's a lawn under that three-foot snowbank. However, it always helps to show them. Place a high-quality photo of your home in full summer bloom on the kitchen counter or ask your Realtor® to include it as the last photo in your MLS listing to help their imagination bloom in the winter.