Spring Season in Real Estate
I know, I know- it's not exactly Spring yet, but it is just around the corner. Spring is a notoriously busy time in Real Estate because it's a great time to list your house. Many people may decide to buy and sell at this time of year so it's a good idea to make sure your house stands out from the crowd. Here are a few tips for getting your house ready to sell (start now if you're planning a Spring listing).
1) Try to think of your house as a product- one that is going on the market to compete with other products- and be unbiased when you look at it.
2) It needs to be well-kept, clutter free, and look like it needs little or no work (if possible).
3) Try to fix and repairs needed before it goes on the market- buyers will have a difficult time picturing what something will look like after you've repaired/painted it.
4) Check your curb appeal and look critically at the property- check the lawn, driveway, gardens, paint job, windows, lighting, decks/fences, and gates to make sure everything works and is clean.
5) Work from the front door in- this is the first impression buyers will have of your "product" look through their eyes- be judgemental! Take a big sniff!!! Eliminate any unpleasant odours from pets, stuffiness, cooking etc...
6) Make sure all lights, doors, handrails work and are free of cobwebs and dust. Depersonalize the home by removing photos and personal memorabilia. You may even want to remove some furniture if it is making the space seem small and/or cluttered.
7) Buyers assign the highest priority to kitchens, bathrooms, and flooring. Do everything you can to make these areas look clean, spacious, and as up-to-date as possible.
8) Check all closets and cupboards aren't too cluttered- buyers will look! Make sure all windows, doors, drawers, faucets and drains etc open and close properly
9) Clean all appliances- inside and out. The cleaner and newer they look, the better. It will give buyers the impression that everything is well cared for and well maintained and therefore worth more. The fridge should have nothing stacked on top and no magnets or papers stuck onto it- this gives a crisp, clean presentation.
10) When showings of your property are happening, make sure all evidence of pets is cleaned up, blinds are opened, all lights are on, air out the house, empty all garbages and wash and put away all dishes.
Remember, the better your house shows, the more it will stand out from the crowd. You can make a big difference as to how long it takes to sell your house and what price it sells for. Lets have a great Spring season!
Take care,
Brenda