No matter what time of year you sell, it's important to make sure your home is in tip-top condition. Low lighting, cold rooms and pesky leaves can detract from your home's appearance, but never fear -- sprucing up your home has never been simpler. Help your home stand out during the winter months with these tips:

  1. Keep Things Cozy

Before it gets cold, have your home inspected by a licensed contractor to make sure your heating system is in working order. You want that heater pumping to help show prospective buyers how warm and inviting your home can be. If you're selling a home that's unoccupied, put the heat on a timer so the house is warm when you have an open house or a showing. The comfortable environment will be worth the extra dollars in heating costs.

  1. Put Your Best Home Forward

Your home is beautiful year round, but listing photos with your trees in bloom and a sunny sky show your home at its best. Save some photos from summertime, and use them when you're ready to list your home.

Also, keep your lawn trimmed and free of leaves when potential buyers visit -- even if it's chilly outside.

  1. Let There Be Light

Buyers can't love what they can't see. Make sure the inside and outside of your home are well-lit so that none of its great features gets passed over. Before you plug in, have an electrical contractor check all of your outlets and your electric service panel. Alternatively, a pre-listing inspection will help you get an accurate assessment of your home's electrical system, as well as all other features of your house.

  1. Tug the Holiday Heartstrings

A table set for a family meal or a decorated tree in the corner goes a long way toward helping buyers see your house as a potential home. If you've got a fireplace, hang up some tasteful garland and make sure it's crackling during every showing. Your home inspector should check your fireplace during the inspection to ensure it is properly ventilated.

If you need some extra help, a professional home stager can help you find the perfect touches to make your home eye-catching and memorable.

  1. Think Outside the Box

Get creative with marketing to reach the right buyers. If you live someplace warm, tweak your listing to appeal to snowbirds looking for a winter home. If you have large companies in your area, reach out to them to try to get connected with incoming employees who may have been relocated.

Follow these steps to get your home in great condition to sell during the winter, and always have your home inspected by a certified, high-quality home inspector.

A thorough inspection will determine a home's current condition and include recommendations for repairs and maintenance timelines.