The spring real estate market is a great time to be selling your home. With more daylight and warmer weather, spring is when people are ready to make a fresh start. As your local realtor, I am very excited to be ready for the spring market and pleased to share a few tips to help you get ready.
Know What Your Plan Is
One huge mistake that sellers might 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 a family? Are you able to rent, if need be? These are things you should think about and know the answers to before the spring real estate market hits.
Making the decision to sell your home often requires a lot of research, time and energy. Once you have finally reached the decision to sell, the next thing that you may be left wondering is when to sell. While there may be perks with selling at different times of the year, spring is arguable the best time to list and sell your home.
Clear the Clutter
Here is a helpful spring checklist of things to de-clutter:
- Entry way: This is the first area prospective homebuyers will see, so it would be a good idea to remove coats, umbrellas, or shoes from your mudroom or foyer.
- Cabinets, pantry, nightstands, closets: Remove items (e.g. medications, toiletries etc.), other than items used for decorative purposes. Organize pantries and closets so they are presentable to buyers.
- Kitchen: Countertops should be clear of everything except for decor and essential kitchen equipment (e.g. toaster). It is also helpful to clear the face of your fridge of magnets, bills, flyers, photos or coupons.
- Bedrooms: Beds should always be made and clothes should always be organized and stored neatly in closets.
- Family Photos: Anything that personalizes your home should be put away.
Remove Personalization
The purpose of staging is to help potential buyers imagine themselves living in your house. If you display too many items, you may make it hard for buyers to imagine owning and living in your home.
- Personal effects: Pack up family photos, kid’s drawings, sports memorabilia, trophies, and In the bathrooms hide all personal items.
- Collections: What you collect (e.g., books, figurines, etc.) may not necessarily be the same things a potential buyer would collect. Reading materials should reflect neutral subjects, such as architecture or food.
Clean the Exterior
Many buyers can decide, within seconds of seeing the exterior of a home whether a property is suitable for them.
- Yards: Winter can leave your yard looking very unappealing. Try to trim shrubs, weed flower beds, and throw away leaves and garbage. Planting flowers around the yard can go a long way in raising its appeal, especially during the spring.
- Porch and patio: Springtime gives us a great excuse to sit outside and enjoy the weather. For a more appealing porch or patio, you can add potted plants along the walkway, or add a hanging basket near the front door. Part of selling your home in the spring is reminding potential buyers that it’s the perfect place to enjoy these activities. Take some time to sweep off the deck, uncover your grill, and tidy up the table and chairs on your patio.
Open Your Home Up
Take advantage of the spring weather by opening your windows to let the fresh air and sunlight in. It may make your house feel (and smell) vibrant. Brighter rooms tend to look bigger and if natural light doesn’t work, try adding floor or table lamps to areas that are darker than others.
Be Prepared!
Buyers interested in viewing your home will ask their agent to book a showing though your agent and good real estate agents will help manage the showings with your schedule. However, you will need to be flexible and prepared for last-minute showings. If you are still living in the house, be ready to drop everything at a moment’s notice. If you have already moved out, your agent should be able to make sure the house is ready for potential buyers by turning on the lights, making sure the temperature is comfortable and that the house is clean and tidy.
Spring selling season is a feeling of renewal and a fresh start. This can be a powerful tool when you are selling your home, so it’s important that your home is prepared and looks as fresh as possible.
Are you thinking of selling your home this spring? Please reach out to me anytime. You can reach me in my office at 705-325-1366 or on my cell at 705-323-7781. You can also send me an email at [email protected]. I am honored to serve our community.
About Me
Born in Toronto, Ontario, I have been in sales for over 30 years. At the young age of 23, I was a successful store manager for a large well known Retail Shoe Company in Toronto, which led me to work for a large Floor and Wall Fashions Distributor in Warehouse Management and Sales. Beginning in 2004, this valuable experience led me to a successful and dynamic career in Real Estate. I then achieved my Broker's license in 2008 and I am always continuing my education in this exciting field.
I find myself so fortunate to live and work in Lagoon City. Over the years, I have met so many wonderful people who have become my neighbours and friends. I truly believe in creating a better community through connecting people with the right homes. My integrity and honesty will always keep you on the right path and my dedication to finding or selling your home goes beyond expectations.
Richard McGuigan is a professional CENTURY 21® Real Estate Broker at Century 21 B.J Roth Realty Ltd, residing in Lagoon City, Ontario and providing you with the highest quality service possible. His personal knowledge of the Real Estate market in Lagoon City and surrounding areas is combined with the power of the CENTURY 21 brand - the most recognized name in Real Estate today. Let Richard assist you in finding your dream home in our beautiful waterfront community. Contact him today for a free home evaluation.
