After an amazing winter for sellers - thanks to low interest rates, pent-up buyer demand, and a bottleneck of homes coming to the market - the Spring season looks to increase the positive sentiment in the real estate market. With home sales price increasing past levels not seen for nearly 20 years, it is important to understand where your home value rests in the market, how to maximize the value of your home, and understand how the local market conditions will affect the sale of your home.
The springtime sunshine will highlight the positives of your home but may also highlight some problems. So, before you put out the For Sale sign, make sure your property is ready for the parade, here are some helpful tips to prepare your home:
- Pretend to be a buyer and do a walk-through, noting all the issues that would concern you. Once identified, get them fixed to maximize your negotiation position against those who would use any flaw as a bargaining chip.
- Consider whether you need to re-paint the outside of your home, or give a couple of tired-looking rooms a little Spring color.
- A favorite target is the timber decking, which usually needs a re-stain in even the best-loved homes.
- A focus on the garden is essential for a successful Spring sale. Make sure the flower beds are tidy and full of blooms, and the lawn looks as if it’s just been mown. Long grass really does make a garden appear smaller. If you have a front garden, this is especially important. Do not under-estimate the power of sidewalk appeal. First impressions can be everything.
- Inside, let the sunshine flood in. If your windows haven’t been cleaned for a while, get it done. You’ll be amazed at the extra light when they’re spotless.
- Pay special attention to mirrors, chrome fittings and glassware as these will gleam in the sunlight and leave a positive impression, which is particularly powerful in the kitchen and bathrooms.
- Declutter your home to enhance the benefit of natural light even more.
- You will maximize your chances of a sale by de-personalizing your home so prospective buyers focus on the property rather than carry subconscious thoughts about your taste in ornaments.
- Choose fresh furnishings that embrace springtime. A throw rug of bright colors can do wonders. Fashionable colors feature rich greens with warm, plush fabrics such as velvet – perfect for throw-cushions. Authentic, cultural wall-hangings and rugs add texture and atmosphere to any room and are at the cutting edge of house fashion right now.
In order for a seller to be comfortable in knowing that their home will be putting the "best foot forward", it is in your best interest to speak with a real estate professional in order to realize what the market is looking for and how presentation and marketing will set your home apart!
