Preparing for Spring Market: Sellers

 In most areas the spring season is when things really begin to heat up…both the weather and the real estate market. In a two part blog series, we will give you tips to prepare for this spring market from both the seller’s side and the buyer’s side.

The spring real estate market generally yields the highest prices for those selling their home; therefore it is always great for sellers to know what home improvements they can do ahead of time to better be prepared and help maximize profit.

Here are a few areas that generally have a good return on your investment of time and money:

• Decluttering: Get rid of junk so that potential buyers are able to envision their furniture fitting into your house. Clutter can make a spacious room seem cramped. If your house has too much furniture, consider taking some things out and putting them in storage, if they are going with you, or donating/selling items that you want to leave behind.
• Lighting: Updating light fixtures in your home not only add value but also that wow factor. Updating an old light fixture can change the look of any room and buyers will take note. Find stylish fixtures at a great price to keep the return on investment paying off.
• Flooring: If your carpet is in fairly good shape, it may just need a professional cleaning, otherwise, you may want to look into replacing it.  Carpet is one of the less expensive flooring options and is always great for buyers when it’s new.
• Kitchen: Your kitchen is a great room to update that will add value when preparing to sell your home. For example, upgrading your counter-tops to granite will not only look nice to buyers, but add value. Touch up the cabinets where needed from normal wear and tear. Appliances can be a great way to update quickly, as well.
• Honey-Do’s: The fewer items found on a repair list, the better, so take some time to handle all those small jobs like leaky faucets, loose hardware and re-caulking areas.

• Exterior Maintenance: Apply a fresh coat of paint to the front door and update exterior lighting fixtures.
• Curb Appeal: Keep the lawn edged, cut, and watered regularly while updating landscape, clean up and plant fresh flowers. Update your outdoor living space with new pillows or plants. Clean off your deck and patio spaces that will welcome buyers outside to enjoy. Remember curb appeal is the key to drawing potential buyers into your house.

If you are thinking of selling, before you put money into your home – talk to a real estate professional to make sure it’s money well spent.  Give us a call, we would be happy to stop by to discuss what renovations would help and those that are not a priority or would not help during the sale of your home.

If you are planning on selling your home in the next month, or even the next year, and want to know how much your home may be worth, click here!