If you're thinking of selling this spring, are you ready? Have you thought about what needs to be done around your home in order to get it ready for the public? Here are 5 easy steps to help you prepare.
It may not feel like (or actually be) Spring yet, but in the real estate world the Spring market is fully underway. In Real Estate there are really only two markets we refer to-Spring and Fall. From January through September we refer to that time as the Spring market. September through December is referred to as the Fall Market. I am here to tell you we are fully in the swing of things. The Spring Market has already taken off! What does that mean? More properties are starting to pop up on the market, there are tons of buyers out house hunting and open houses are getting busy again.
The excitement is back and we are all thrilled that warm weather is right around the corner too. I thought this might be a good time to remind those thinking of selling what they should start doing to prepare their home before it hits the market.
Buyers are anxiously awaiting more inventory, so now is the time to freshen up your home. With some simple, inexpensive fixes, you can bring your home to the next level and make it show worthy.
1. De-clutter – I talk about this a lot, probably because I need to do this myself. The truth is buyers do not want to go into your home and see too much stuff! If you must, get an offsite storage unit, and start unloading. If you have a room that has too much furniture, get rid of some. Move out whatever you don’t need regularly. You want your home to look picture perfect so the buyers can envision themselves living in that space. De-personalize as much as possible too. That goes the same for closets, bathrooms, your basement and garage – buyers will be looking at EVERYTHING!
2. Spring Cleaning – Once you de-clutter and remove some furniture ( if needed) get ready to deep clean that baby! By deep clean, I mean scrub and clean every nook and cranny of the home. Wash the windows, steam clean the carpets, change filters, clean the tile and grout in your bathrooms, kitchen backsplash, clean any dusty ceilings fans or vents…you get the picture! If you have a room that need some touch up paint, do it now too. Your goal is to make a great first impression!
3. Make it “Fresh”– If you just walked into your house today, would you want to buy it? The goal here is to make all of the rooms look like they were designed by a professional. It sounds much harder than it is. Do you have a throw blanket that matches the pillows on the couch? If they don’t match, spend a few bucks to coordinate. How about your duvet covers and bed pillows? For a few bucks here and there, that can make or break an offer. If your home looks fresh and new buyers can envision themselves moving right in! Isn’t that the goal here?
4. Curb Appeal – How does your home look from the outside? From the street? Of course most yards are still either covered in snow, or have dead, brown grass right now. By putting out some nice planters filled with seasonal plants or a bench with outdoor pillows on a big porch, both can instantly change the dull feel of winter. Does your front door need a fresh coat of paint? Does your doorbell work? How does your mailbox look? Also, think about the back yard too. Clean off the deck, patio and porch. If weather permits, set up the outdoor furniture so buyers can get the right feel for what it will look like in warmer months. Does a fence need repair or touch up paint?
5. It’s All About Price –Be realistic! If you price your home right from the start, it is more likely to sell faster and for the highest price. If you price your home too high at the beginning, you may turn off some potential buyers, and prevent them from even looking and your home. Then your house will sit on the market much longer than it should.
I think I’ve left you with enough to think about and plenty of work to do to get your home ready. For more ideas and ways to spruce up your home in order to sell, reach out to us anytime at kbrechka@gmail.com.