How to Prep Your House for a Spring Sale!
Beech Woolger Blog Post March 2020
How to Prep Your House for a Spring Sale!
Spring to a realtor is what the playoffs are to a hockey fan, and since we’re both, we can tell you it’s a time of anticipation and excitement! We get revved up when the weather begins to warm not only because it means beers on the patio and days spent at the lake, but more importantly it means more homes coming onto the market.
The objective as a realtor is to show your clients all the homes within their criteria, and if the market is slow, like in the colder months, this can be difficult. Spring also brings new perspective clients onto the market, but with the warm weather approaching the list of things you need to get done pile up. Spring cleaning means tidying up messy yards, cleaning dirty and cloudy windows and let’s not forget all of the packing you have to do.
We know all too well the stress of preparing your home to sell. The hellish task of going through room after room packing and cleaning is enough to make anyone want to change their mind and stay where they are.
Since Spring is one of the most popular times to sell, and to help your home stand out from the rest, we’ve compiled a list to keep you on track!
- Organize and De-clutter
This can be a daunting task, and we suggest doing one room at a time. Lists work well to combat the overwhelming closet, bathroom and cupboard hell that might be awaiting you and will keep you on track to finish the job.
TIP: Clean out the closets, cupboards and pantry so they’re neat and tidy.
- De-personalize your Home
This can be done while you’re decluttering. Pack away all of your personal items such as pictures, artwork, and posters.
TIP: Look at your home with a buyer’s eye and take down anything that ties you to the house.
- Colour
We know this one may get you fired up, and add more work to your already growing list, but we promise it will help. If your walls aren’t a neutral colour, you may want to consider repainting them. This is another way to distance yourself from your home. A clean canvas is what most buyers are looking for when on the hunt for a new home. If your walls are lighter or neutral, they blend into the rest of the home, allowing the buyer to see themselves and their things there.
TIP: Paint the doors, baseboards and rooms that are most used; living area and kitchen.
- Repairs
Go through the home and write down all of the things you need to fix. Each home has minor repairs and fixing them will make a difference when you list your house.
TIP: If you’ve done a major repair make note of it and let your relator know.
- Clean up the yard
This is a must and very important. Curb appeal is a real thing and when people look at your home, they are seeing the outside first. Clean up the shrubs, mow the lawn, and make the front entrance inviting. Wash the siding and windows down, clean gutters and downspouts all of these things will go a long way to having prospective buyers.
TIP: Plant a few shrubs or some flowers to brighten things up.
- Get your home inspected
One of the best ways to get a head start on repairs. Finding a contractor to help fix up the home during the winter months is a lot easier too since they’re not as busy.
TIP: Do the small stuff yourself and hire a contractor for the larger repairs.
- Be an early bird.
To increase your chances of getting your home sold first, be the first to the market before it is flooded with competition.
TIP: By starting to prepare your home for selling now will have you ahead of the game.
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