If you intend on selling your home this spring, now is the time to get things in order. Every spring the real estate market starts booming with activity. Many Realtors will tell you this is the best time to market and list your property for sale.
Preparing your home for the market can be a daunting task, especially for first-time sellers. If you want your home to standout, follow these tips.
- Find a Realtor you trust:
Finding the right real estate agent can make a big difference in the outcome of your transaction. A good Realtor will help you establish a strong price point for a quick sale. They can also help determine the appropriate updates and changes the home will require to get top dollar. They will have a marketing plan for your specific property and know how to advertise, where to sell, and the best time to put up your listing. Your agent should also have great negotiation skills.
Most of us know a Realtor, or know someones that knows a Realtor. Worth of mouth is sometimes to most reliable source, however every real estate agent is different and brings varying skills to the table. Interview 2-3 before signing a contract. Not sure where to start? HusVar Real Estate has nearly sixty well-qualified and experienced real estate agents. HusVar also has a full-time marketing team to make sure your listing gets the most exposure possible using print and web advertising with social media. - Make necessary repairs:
You’ve put them off for months, sometimes years, but the little problems you’ve learned to live with will be a turn-off to potential buyers. Make sure those squeaky doors and that leaky faucet are fixed. Inspect your windows, furnace and air conditioning units. Take note of what isn’t working correctly and have a professional come out for a tune-up.
Lighting and natural light is a big decision factor for most buyers. Make sure all your light bulbs are working, windows are washed, and curtains are wide open when showing. If your home doesn’t get much natural light, consider adding a new light fixture. - De-clutter and depersonalize:
Your home will be on display to hopefully hundreds of people. De-cluttering will help rooms look larger and make it easier for would-be buyers to maneuver through your home. Go through your different rooms and remove the junk and items you don’t regularly use. This will also help when the time comes to start packing.
Buyers want to be able to picture themselves living there, so remove many or all personal photos. You may love the poster size image of your family hanging over the fireplace, but it’s a no-no if you want to sell your home quickly and easily. - Clean, clean, clean, and repaint:
The junk and unused items should already be out of the way. Now it’s time for the deep cleaning. Get into those nooks and cranny’s, behind the TV stand and appliances – we all know they haven’t been cleaned in some time and you’d be surprised how much dust can build up. If you have rugs or carpeting, call a professional cleaning service to help make them look (and smell) good-as-new. Odors in a home are also a big turn-off to buyers.
It’s not a bad idea to add a fresh coat of paint to your walls. The brightness and smell of a freshly painted home will really stand out. It’s a good idea to stay neutral with your paint selections. This may mean you will have to cover up your Lavender accent wall with basic Grey, but you’re moving, right? - Be mindful of the market and hire a professional photographer:
When prepping your home for potential buyers, you want to be mindful of what people are looking for. Visit www.husvarre.com to review whats available in the Western New York and specifically your neighborhood. How is their decor? What are homes of similar size and quality listing for? Being on top of the current market will help you understand your homes value and what changes can be made to hopefully exceed that value?
The best way to attract buyers is with stunning home photography. They say a picture is worth a thousand words, in this case, it could be worth a few thousand dollars. Good photos of your home will make it stand out among your competitors.
Lastly, list your property. This shouldn’t be a lengthy or stressful process. Hiring a reliable, trusted Realtor is the first step to a easy and successful transaction. Find out what your home is worth in the current market.