Even though it’s the middle of the winter season, before you know it, spring will be here. Typically in most real estate markets, the spring is when it really begins to heat up. The spring real estate market generally yields the highest prices for those selling their home. This is only possible though if the proper preparations are taken before spring is upon us!
If you’re thinking of selling your home in the spring, you must know that even though you may receive top dollar for your home, the competition will also be the strongest. This means it’s absolutely critical that you’re prepared for the spring real estate market so you can knock out your competition.
- Get listed before the Spring inventory rush
If you’re thinking of selling your home in the spring, you must know that even though you may receive top dollar for your home, the competition will also be the strongest. What’s the best way to beat out the fierce competition that will be at hand? Make sure you are listed before everyone else. Getting your house on the market first is the most efficient way to get the absolute best price for your house. Being a “big fish in a small pond” by being on the market when everyone else isn’t, will always result in more interest, and therefore a higher sales price.
- Start consulting with a realtor NOW
Homeowners tend to wait until they are 100% ready sell to start their interviewing process with potential agents. This is one of the worst things you could do. I always tell my clients that we should have a pre-listing meeting 2-4 weeks before they are actually ready to bring it to market. In those meetings we discuss the price of the home and anything I believe that needs to be changed prior to the listing that will optimize the price.
- Know what your plan is
One huge mistake sellers make is not knowing what their plan is once they sell their home. Are you planning on buying another home once your home sells? Do you have the option to move in with family? Can you rent, if need be? These are things you should think about and know the answers to before the spring real estate market hits. It’s a great idea to discuss your financing options with a local lender before you list your home for sale. If you can get pre-approved to purchase a home non-contingent, if need be, it can give you a huge advantage over any seller who is selling their home subject to finding a suitable property to purchase.
- Clean & Organize
I know it’s cliché but it’s imperative to give your home a thorough “spring cleaning.” This doesn’t mean wait until spring, though. Be proactive and start cleaning now; you’ll be glad you didn’t wait. A huge turnoff for prospective buyers are foul odors. Things such as smoke odors and pet odors can kill home sales.
Here are just a few things to make sure you clean before listing your home:
- Wash your windows
- Dust your blinds
- Dust baseboard trims
- Clean appliances
- Clean shower(s) & toilet(s)
- Clean inside cabinets
When selling a home, it’s important that you de-clutter and organize your home, too. A great way to achieve this is by packing. It may sound silly seeing as you haven’t listed your home for sale yet, but you will need to pack at some point anyways, so why not do it now! Clean out closets and pack away anything that you don’t have a necessity for. It is incredible how much better a home will show and how much quicker it will sell if it’s organized and de-cluttered.
- Consider having a Pre-List Inspection
One of the biggest reasons a home sale gets derailed is due to the home inspection. Most buyers will opt to have their offer contingent on an acceptable home inspection. Some buyers can even get alarmed and scared by the smallest home inspection finding and can use this to renegotiate the offering price. It can be easy to avoid this possibility and have your home inspected by a professional before listing it.
Written By: Paul Licari
Licensed Real Estate Agent
The Pesce & Lanzillotta Team, at BHHS Laffey International Realty
