Do Your Spring Cleaning
If you are still planning to get your spring cleaning done, it is now the perfect chance to tackle some mopping, sweeping, dusting, and any small work that needs to be completed around the house. While obvious, once you’re ready to place your house on the market it is crucial that it is clutter-free and clean to attract potential buyers. A messy house is an immediate turn off to would-be buyers, so it is definitely in your best interest to tidy up! We suggest making a spring cleaning checklist to ensure you have all areas of the house covered and clean. Additionally, if you’re a pet owner, be extra vigilante; sure, you may not notice the smell of your little cat or dog, but pet odors can definitely play a part in whether or not your home will sell.
Remember the Importance of Curb Appeal
Once your floors and carpets have been tended to and all the nooks and cranny are dusted don’t forget to focus some time on upping your curb appeal! Be sure the front yard and driveway look tidy and attractive. Walk around your property and get rid of any debris that may have collected in your front yard. Clean up the driveway, edge the garden, cut the grass, and get that lawn fertilized so it looks healthy and green. You may wish to make your home even more inviting by adding some pretty flower arrangements or colorful plants on your front porch. How is the paint job on your garage door? Perhaps it could use a new coat of paint!
Work on Those Renovations
Major renovations are definitely not necessary as you won’t receive money back in the purchase price, but small DIY projects throughout your home can definitely add to the attractiveness of your home and potentially intrigue more interested buyers. Consider things like changing old doorknobs, replacing caulk in the bathroom, putting in new light fixtures, and even swapping out your front door for something more up-to-date. These little changes can make a huge impact when it comes to your home’s appearance. Little changes can lead to big returns.
Remove Clutter and Be Sure Your Home is Free of Personalized Decor
Get rid of any unnecessary clutter and depersonalize your home so potential buyers can envision it as their own. Again, interested buyers want to walk into a home that is organized and beautiful, free of magazines, bills, papers or grocery lists on the fridge. Minimize this as much as possible. This is a great opportunity to also depersonalize, which basically means removing family photos on walls (if there are lots) and tucking away any eccentric art that is personal.
Get it on the Market at the Right Price
Remember that you have to get your home ready in more than one way; after it’s physically ready, be sure that you are marketing it properly to take advantage of the selling season. How do you do this? Partner up with a local real estate agent in the area and research the current market in your region. You can then simply go over the marketing strategies with your agent to finalize a plan.
Due to the fact that the majority of buyers begin their search online, get your house up and listed on multiple websites right away. You’ll want to include professional photos, thorough descriptions, and a virtual tour. Property websites and real estate websites are perfect for getting your home lots of exposure. Open houses are also a great go-to and can lead to amazing offers. Be sure to arrange these with your agent as well.
When it comes to pricing, make sure to compare your house with similar recently-sold properties in your area to ensure your price is competitive. Remember to be realistic – just because the market is hot, doesn’t mean buyers will flock to unreasonably-priced listings.
Spring is a popular time to sell however; it will likely take more than simply placing a sign on the lawn. When the time and effort is put in to prepare effectively, you are sure to receive the happy “Sold” news.
Advise Your Insurance Agent
Prior to your move, it is critical that you contact your insurance agent. You’ll want to notify them that you are in the middle of a move and check whether moving may affect your current residential insurance policy. If necessary, your insurance agent will assist you in cancelling your old policy, while helping you with the transition to your new one. If you need additional information or would like to update your home insurance policy once you’ve moved into your new home, please reach out to Will Marshall Insurance.
Call: 705-726-2551