With the spring market upon us, the real estate scene is moving into a vibrant selling period where buyers emerge from their winter blues full of confidence that falling inflation will ignite buyer activity.
The economic optimism of the past few weeks should not be mistaken for an “easy sell” if you’re about to put your property on the market.
Buyers are still showing discretion in the market. While they’re keen to purchase, they’re not afraid to press pause. So we’re still not back to the exuberant seller’s market of 2021.
And that means you need to focus on the presentation of your home to achieve the best possible price this spring and summer.
But that’s okay, because buyers are putting a premium on pristine homes, and it only takes two potential buyers to create a bidding war. So, if you plan to sell soon, you have many reasons to feel good about your move.
Follow these top tips to prepare your home for sale at this time of year.
Pretend you’re the buyer
Before you take any action, walk through your home as if you were going to buy. What are your impressions at the front gate? Is the entryway appealing? Does the kitchen excite or disappoint? By taking the buyer’s perspective, you’ll enhance your preparations.
Finish projects
Don’t put your home on the market with your DIY projects half-finished. Tick them off your list. Also, make sure any necessary repairs are completed. You don’t want buyers trying to nickel and dime you when it’s time to negotiate.
Declutter and depersonalize
This zero-cost strategy adds so much value. Remove family and personal items as you want buyers to imagine themselves living in the home. They shouldn’t feel like visitors. Furnishings that take up room unnecessarily should be stored. Give buyers the impression they’ll have lots of space when they move in.
Cleaning caper
No buyer will entertain the purchase of an unkempt home. Make sure books, magazines and toys are stowed. Put all your dishes and utensils away. Your garden tools should be out of sight. Double-check the kids’ rooms to ensure they’ve put away clothes. It’s a good idea to give all the beds a fresh set of sheets. White works best.
Light and bright
Maximize the amount of natural light that enters your home. Clean the windows if they still hold winter grime. And make sure your home has a pleasant odor. Some folks bake cookies, while others will simply get the carpets cleaned. Bad smells are a buyer turn-off. If you have pets, consider hiring a professional cleaning service.
Get gardening
Spring and summer are fantastic times to turn buyers’ heads with an attractive garden. Spending time on your front yard is especially important as it will create an all-important first impression when folks arrive for their walk-through.