5 Important steps for getting your house ready for the spring market:

Many homeowners are taking advantage of the increase in interested home buyers.  Here are some important things to consider if you plan to list your house between now and spring.

1.   Curb Appeal:  First impressions matter.  Make sure that your home is as spruced up on the outside as it is on the interior.  New buyers fall in love with the outside first.  Make sure that the entryway to your home is inviting and uncluttered.  Fresh paint and groomed landscaping tell a prospective buyer that your home has been well maintained.

2.  De-clutter:  Your home will show better in photos and in person if you clear off counter tops and surfaces throughout the home.  Take the time to organize your closets, get rid of excess items you don’t plan on keeping in your move and remember that new buyers are looking for living space as well as home appeal.  If you have a room over crowded with furniture, toys and nicknacks, you are taking away from their ability to visualize themselves in your home.  One trick is to photograph each room in your house and view it through the camera.  If it’s photo ready, you are one step ahead of the game.

3.  Repairs:  Some savvy sellers who know their house in need of minor repairs will hire a home inspector before listing the house.  With the intention of fixing items prior to listing, issues that could become negatives to a new homebuyer have been taken off the table and they can confidently make a decision on what they like about the home rather than what needs fixing.

4:  Paint:  Interior painting is the quickest and least expensive investment .  There is no need to paint it all “Decorator White”.  You can add warmth and richness to a room if you select the right colors that have a general appeal.  Hire an interior designer for a 1 hr. paint consultation.  The money spent for selecting the right colors can give an immediate return on your dollars.

5.  Know the market:  The best way to sell your home is to understand the current market trends.  Finding a reputable Realtor who is familiar with your area and has a good eye on the coming market trends is key.  If your house isn’t priced correctly it will sit on the sidelines with other over priced inventory.  Find A Realtor that will give you a free market analysis of your home and the surrounding areas.  Realtors that work with designers,  home stagers, and professional photographers offer sellers a more comprehensive advantage.