Question about heating a home that's on the market

[Chris Christianson]

Quick question I'd like to see opinions on. We have our first actual "Flip" on the market right now in Minneapolis. In case you're not from Minneapolis, it's COLD! this time of year. To save on costs we keep the heat down around 63 most of the time. The disagreement we're having is whether it's important to turn up the heat prior to showings. It's a 1916 home. My argument is that the tile in the bathroom and the granite in the kitchen as well as the wood floors are really cold and make the house feel drafty at 63. My business partner doesn't think it matters.

Any opinions?

[Joel Owens]

Chris think of it this way.

I walk into your house for sale. It's cold as crap in there.

The first thing running through my mind is something must be wrong with the heating unit ( big bucks ). Mind shifts for this place looks good to " What else is wrong with it?". I start trying to find more things to talk myself out of it or think I am going to offer way less because of the issues if at all.

Even worse is if it's so cold that I do not get to even look or concentrate on the great features of the house because I am so cold all I can think about is that. I then proceed to walk out the front door as fast as I came in.

63 would be uncomfortable for a majority of buyers. I am warm blooded but even at 63 starts to get a little chilly. Of course in the summertime if it was 100 outside It would feel awesome! lol

I think your partner is taking a short sided view to getting it sold. 75 is high and I think 69 to 72 should be pretty comfortable for most people.