Do you want to sell your home this Spring? If so, now’s the time to start preparing. Here’s what you can do in the next few months to put your home in the best selling position possible:
Pack, Organize, Declutter!
I don’t know how many times I’ve moved in my life, but one thing is for sure: It always takes longer than I think it will. When you put your home on the market, it should really be in a staged condition—spare, minimally furnished spaces free of any personal items like family pictures, children’s artwork, etc on display; clean countertops in the kitchen and bathrooms; clean, neat bedrooms
For most people, getting your home into staging condition means doing a significant amount of packing and decluttering. If you’re serious about putting your home on the market this spring, the longer you give yourself to go through the packing and decluttering process, the better. Take time to go through old stuff, and throw out or give away anything you don’t need anymore. Reduce the amount of clutter you have on your shelves and surfaces—pack away items that are regularly on your kitchen and bathroom counters, and anything of a personal nature such as family photographs, keepsakes, etc, and store them somewhere out of the way.
Once your home hits the market you’ll need to keep everything as neat as possible, because you just never know when your buyer might come along for a viewing. Packing and decluttering beforehand will help significantly with this part of the selling process. One thing I’ve found useful in the past: Keep a laundry hamper in every bedroom, and pick up any clothing each morning, tuck it in the hamper, and stick it into a closet.
Make Interior Improvements
Making minor repairs and improvements will make your home look fresher to buyers. Here’s a checklist of some things you can take a look at in your own home:
- Replace the caulk and grout in your bathroom
- Update old light fixtures, and change out switch plates.
- Replace any plumbing fixtures that are rusted, ugly or not working properly.
- Repaint/Replace interior doors and trim.
- Add new doorknobs and other hardware.
- Line kitchen cabinet drawers and bathroom vanity drawers if necessary.
- Repaint any areas of your home that need a fresh coat.
- Clean or replace window dressings.
Start Interviewing Realtors®
Trust is a huge factor when choosing the person who will help you sell your home. Their skill and experience will make a huge difference in how quickly your home is sold, and for how much. Reach out to people you trust and get some recommendations, then interview multiple agents before making your choice. A real estate agent with deep local knowledge of the market is extremely important. Don’t make the mistake of just hiring the Realtor® who tells you they can sell for the highest price—choose someone who can back up their claims with numbers and a plan.
Do Some Research
Think ahead to what your next move is going to be: Are you going to buy another home? What is a realistic timeframe for selling your existing home and purchasing another one? These questions can be hard to answer on your own. You can make life a lot easier by consulting the experts: A good Realtor® can help you come up with a realistic timeframe for selling your home, and buying another one.
Also, speaking to a lender about your situation ahead of time can help you find clarity on what needs to be done to make the transition from one home to another as smooth as possible.
Spend the next few months preparing for spring. You’ll thank yourself come March, when you’re ready to rock and roll!
A bit part of what I do is help clients meet their goals and understand their options. I’d love the opportunity to discuss your goals with you. Please feel free to contact me anytime.
Happy New Year!
Lou Sagatov, Realtor®
571-305-2405