Despite what you've heard, winter can actually work to a home seller's advantage.So while your competition is hibernating, consider these budget-friendly ways to prep your home for both buyers and guests this winter.

Don't skip curb appeal just because it's winter!

Cleaning out your gutters is important so you don't give the impression that you have roofing issues. You can also add some winter-themed outdoor decor for a more welcoming feeling!

If you can, now's also the time to make sure your front door has a fresh coat of paint. A bright, colorful front door will stand out more, and that can really wow your buyer.

Turn up the heat

Many homeowners like to keep the thermostat set down in the 60s to save on their heating bills, but you don't want a potential buyer to think they're visiting a house that's hard to heat. A cold house might hurt the sale. When a buyer enters the house and wants to hurry up and get out of there because it is so chilly, it probably means they are going to have a bad memory associated with the home, no matter how great it is. You want to provide a warm and inviting environment so buyers will want to take their time and linger. 

Fire up the fireplace

Not only is it a good way to ensure the house feels warm, but making use of the fireplace is a good way to show off a great feature of your home. Whether it's wood-burning or you have gas logs in that fireplace, by lighting that fire, you're giving potential buyers a window into what it would be like to cuddle on the couch with a cup of hot cocoa and their feet in front of the fire.

No fireplace? That's okay, you can use candles, fur throws, and other items that give off cozy vibes.

Add seasonal scents

It's always wise to clean your house and make the place smell nice and fresh, but the winter months are a time to focus on seasonal scents. That means mulling seasonal spices such as oranges, cloves, and cinnamon on the stove, to go along with freshly baked holiday cookies cooling on a rack in the kitchen. Music should also be seasonal, though not too heavy on the silly Santa songs. It's also not a bad idea to have hot coffee on hand.

Pump up the holiday decor

You don't want to turn your home into the real-life version of the North Pole but some seasonal decor through out the house is a great look! The main reason is that buyers like to picture themselves in the home hosting holiday get-togethers, and it's much easier to show them the potential of a house when it's decorated for the winter months.

A big wreath with a bright red bow on the front door and some (electric or battery-operated) candles in the windows are some ideas. Avoid blow-up lawn decorations or anything over-the-top or garish inside and out, favoring the sort of classic decor you'd expect to see on a greeting card.

And if the holidays are over, and you're still showing your home, remove the decor immediately!