Selling in the Spring

 

It's no secret that there’s no better time to sell your home than the spring. Typically, you will see an increase of 15-20% more homes on the market, and those homes will sell faster than any other time of the year.

 

Why is that? People start looking for homes as the weather warms up, and buyers have cash returns in their pockets and often want to get settled during their kids’ summer break. If you’re thinking about selling in the spring, you’ll want your home to be seen in the best possible light, as more homes on the market mean more competition. Start by catching up on any deferred home maintenance. Then, look at these 10 tips to help you get that sold sign this spring.

 

Homeowners are frequently surprised to learn about the out-of-pocket costs associated with selling their homes. If you're thinking about putting up a "For Sale" sign in your yard, make a budget now to figure out how you'll cover the costs of selling it.

 

A good real estate agent can be your partner in the difficult process of selling your home. They will market it properly, negotiate the best price on your behalf, and facilitate the more difficult aspects of the sale to ensure a smooth transaction. Conduct your research and ask friends, family, or your lender for recommendations from local agents.

 

The first, in-person impression any buyer will have of your home is from the curb, so start there. Hire a professional to power wash your house and driveway, or rent a machine to do it yourself. After cleaning and drying, apply a sealant to the drive to keep it looking new. Are your shutters or mailbox looking a little worn? Cleaning and a fresh coat of paint can do wonders.

 

 

How did your lawn fare during the cold, winter months? If there are any brown patches, buy some seed or sod and start filling in the areas that are thinning or need to be cut away. Remember to pull weeds and trim bushes. If your garden has bare spots or shabby-looking areas, try adding mulch or pine straw to fill in the gaps. Spring is a time for renewal, so why not go to the garden center and pick out some bright, beautiful flowers?

 

When selling your home in the spring, you want to eliminate any potential distractions. If you intend to relocate, why not begin packing as soon as possible? Pack away out-of-season clothing and personal items such as family portraits, trophies, and so on. This will entice a Buyer to walk through your home and imagine their belongings.

 

Consider removing and storing certain pieces of furniture. If you discover that a room in your home is overly cluttered. You should think about moving furniture and staging your home appropriately. Even relocating some furniture to open up rooms and maximize floor space can make a house feel larger. This can help a room appear larger. Only use furniture that complements the living room and bedrooms.

 

A fresh coat of neutral paint on dingy or dated walls can revitalize and brighten the space. A light-colored interior also reflects more light, providing a sense of brightness on a dreary day. If painting is not an option, thoroughly dust your walls, clean all baseboards, and remove any cobwebs from corners.

 

Do your drawer pulls and knobs show signs of wear and tear? You can easily update them with a trip to the hardware store and a screwdriver. If you have the money, invest in a new front door. If not, you should consider replacing the door handle, hardware, and lock, as well as the porch lights.

 

 

Is your kitchen out of date or in desperate need of repair? Adding new lighting to your kitchen this spring can help you sell your home faster. There are numerous low-cost ways to update the look of your kitchen.

 

Consider repainting worn-out cabinets in a more vibrant color. A low-cost but time-consuming renovation is white cabinets with new hardware. However, it has the potential to completely transform the appearance of your kitchen. Not sure where to start? There are numerous online tutorials for refacing and painting kitchen cabinets.

 

Cleaning up your kitchen can also help to open up the space and make more counter space. Remove the majority of what has accumulated on your kitchen countertops. There are toasters, crockpots, coffee makers, and other appliances available. Remove any extra magnets, school artwork, or photos from the fridge.

 

8. Create a Welcoming Porch or Patio

Spring, as the end of winter and the start of summer, is all about getting outside and enjoying the great outdoors. Consider barbecues in the backyard and watching rainstorms from the front porch. Selling your home in the spring includes reminding potential buyers that it is ideal for these activities, as well as lounging by the pool or swinging from the tree. Spend some time sweeping the deck, uncovering your grill, and cleaning up the patio table and chairs.

 

You want to successfully prepare your home for sale at this time of year, just as you would at any other time of year. This should be a well-planned process that will require time, energy, and possibly some money. Take pride and ownership in the sale of your home so that when the time comes to sell, you can truly maximize the market value.