5 Ways Sellers Prepare Homes for the Spring Market

It’s no secret that spring is the busiest time for home buying and selling. Homeowners planning to put their homes on the market should start preparing NOW!  Following these few easy tips can make for a much smoother selling experience.

If you are a prospective home seller, here are a few guidelines to help you get ready for the Spring Market:

Minimize Clutter

Don’t you love walking into a newly furnished model home? The open, clear, fresh new home is one you can picture yourself living in instantly.  What you don’t see in this model home is a stack of magazines on the table, perhaps a stack of mail or even children’s artwork casually hanging on the refrigerator. While everyone has clutter, buyers want to see the model home version of your home for sale. A home they can envision living in.  Putting away single framed family photos, clearing off shelves and counters can also help reduce clutter instantly.  

Start Packing!

As you begin to clear away the clutter, pack it.  It may sound crazy to begin packing months before a move date, but since you eventually will need to, you may as well begin organizing yourself now.  Besides, you home may sell very quickly!  Garages, closets, attics, storage areas are all good examples of areas you can begin packing sooner rather than later.

Minor Repairs

To ensure the home is maintaining that model home look and feel, you may need to make some minor repairs or spruce up areas.  Perhaps the grout in the bathroom could use some cleaning or some fresh caulk.  Cleaning or replacing light fixtures, doorknobs or other fixtures can also give an occupied home a fresh clean look.  Fresh paint should always be considered, however painting the front door may give an overall neat and tidy appearance.

Do Your Homework

If you plan to buy another home, you will need to decide if you are going to sell your home first or if you are going to make an offer on a new home before putting yours on the market. Once that is determined you may also want to consider consulting a lender to determine your financial capabilities. They can also assist you with the transition from one home to another.

Interview Real Estate Professionals

Your listing agent will make a huge difference in how quickly your home sells. Talk to several agents to see which may have the experience needed to guide you through the process.  Check with professionals in your market and in your price range.  An agent with a great marketing plan and solid local knowledge is important.  Talk to friends to get recommendations and choose someone who seems knowledgeable and can present you with the best detailed market analysis.   Work with someone who answers the phone and returns calls!    

If you spend the winter months preparing for listing or purchasing, you’ll find yourself ready to move now as the spring housing market is bustling!