5 Tips To Getting Your Home Ready For The Spring Market

Most real estate agents have busy weekends hosting open houses and chatting with the potential buyers they meet. My team is no exception. This past weekend, we hosted four open houses which were just packed with prospective home buyers.

If you are thinking of selling, there is no better opportunity that now, particularly when inventory is low, and buyers are plentiful.

During a Friday morning real estate video chat, Kim Perosa stated that in all her years of selling real estate she’s never seen a market quite like this! And she urged anyone thinking of selling, to get ready now in order to get a jump on the spring market! And I concur!

Getting ready to sell your home isn’t really all that complicated. But listen to Kim, and start prepping early so you get an early start on the spring market which can move quite quickly.

Selling your home? Here’s where to start.

Interview REALTORS®:

Not enough can be said about how critical it is to choose the right real estate agent. Your REALTOR® not only showcases and advertises your home, they help you prep and price it. And as your advocate they are making sure that you are doing everything possible to get the best dollar for your home.

Having a successful, experienced and competent real estate agent will make all the difference. And in a buyer’s market, a REALTOR® who has experience managing a variety of different selling scenarios can make all the difference.

Have A Plan:

Be sure to make your newly hired REALTOR® part of your real estate battle plan. Selling your house means that you are also moving – so having an idea where and when you will move is key.

Drafting a budget should also be part of the plan. Are you planning on buying another home? Do you know how much money you will have after closing? Can you rent if necessary? Having a chat with your financial adviser, even obtaining a pre-approved mortgage will give you a step-up over another seller who is basing their sale ‘subject to finding a suitable property to purchase.’

And there are costs in listing your home such as renovations and updates,, cleaning, de-cluttering, staging even boarding the pets. Most real estate agents have a ‘listing cost checklist’ that can be quite helpful.

Consider A Pre-Listing Home Inspection:

Generally speaking the spring market moves quickly and having a pre-listing home inspection can work to your advantage. Your REALTOR® may even suggest that your home inspector attend an open house to answer any buyer questions.

Check Your Curb Appeal:

• Outside Your Home: – First impressions count. That means making sure that the outside of your home looks clean, tidy and welcoming even during a muddy spring. Your real estate agent will be helpful in determining whether the outside should be re-painted or a powerwash will do the job. But there are loads of other chores including: cleaning out the junky winter stuff, tidying lawns and flower beds, cleaning the garage, gutters and maybe even re-sealing the driveway.
• Inside your Home: –  A professional cleaning service will really give things a deep clean (appliances, windows, light fixtures, flooring, vacuuming and steam cleaning carpets and upholstery, dusting), leaving you with de-cluttering, organizing, touch-ups and if necessary re-painting to neutralize rooms.
• Get your paperwork in order: – Nothing says full-disclosure than making sure all of your home’s paperwork (warranties, instructions) are in one place and readily available for buyer inspection.

Renovate or Not:

Most real estate agents are cautious when recommending home renovations or improvements prior to listing. Generally speaking, new home owners like to remodel to their own liking. And not all renovations add to the selling price.

In this market however, your real estate agent may agree that you will get a return-on-investment with a particular renovation. It’s about timing, cost and what’s happening in the market.

Thinking of taking advantage of this hot market? We would be thrilled to help you sell your home this spring. Call us today!

Our team of real estate sales professionals is committed to finding you, your dream home. Whether you’re looking to buy or sell, the Karen Paul team is here to help with any questions.