The warmer months of spring and summer are when the real estate market spikes and buyers are hot on the trail of a new home. But that doesn’t mean it isn’t worthwhile to list your home in the new year—after all, winter offers sellers less competition with fewer properties on the market. Plus, once the cold sets in you have a chance to pull out all the stops to make your home feel comfy and cozy. Here are some tips to ensure you’re set up to wow potential buyers during the snowy season.

he new year brings resolutions, a new outlook, and a fresh start—and what better way to kickoff 2018 than with a home that inspires tranquillity and peace of mind. People in countries across the world have unique ways of living simply, happily, and in harmony with their surrounding environment. From the Scandinavian concept of hygge to the Chinese philosophy of feng shui, each culture’s practices offers valuable lessons—and the Japanese art of decluttering and organizing is no different.

Turquoise waters, breezy sea air, sun soaked beaches and lush greenery are part and parcel for the idyllic island jaunt, but there are tropical escapes, and then there are tropical escapes.

Once you decide to own a slice of paradise, the details of island living become that much more nuanced. It becomes about sun and shade cycles, open-air living, a welcome dose of privacy, and views whenever possible. Warm wood adds a beach-hut feel, sweeping white walls offset pops of topical color, and washed stones evoke nearby shorelines. Couple those trappings of good taste with resort-like amenities and you may never leave the island.

Your home serves as the outward expression of your inner-self, something of a vessel for your spirit. To capture that essence, clear structure, a thoughtful palette, and ambient lighting hold key roles; but it’s what you display in this space that makes it unique. Curating art for this blank slate is what makes a home uniquely yours.

From delivery robots and autonomous trash collection, Alphabet's Sidewalk Labs (sister company to Google) plans to build its first digital city in Toronto