According to most real estate data, the best months to sell a house are typically May and June as they fall within the peak selling season of late spring and early summer. May is often considered the absolute best month to list a home for the highest potential profit. Many home buyers are eager to enter the market and buy a home as school is coming to a close, the weather has turned warmer, and housing inventory has increased.
Spring is right around the corner and will sneak up fast, especially if you are preparing your home to sell! If you are like most homeowners, you have a list of projects to complete before your home is ready to sell. And like most people, you probably have limited time to work on those projects. Try to set aside time each week to work on your house. The more you make your home “buyer ready”, the more buyers it will appeal to and the faster it will sell. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you prepare your home to sell in the spring market.
1. Declutter. Go room by room and declutter. All of us accumulate too much stuff and it clutters and crowds our homes. Remove excess furniture, personal items, and knick-knacks to make spaces feel larger and more inviting. You can box up and store items in a garage or basement. If you have too many large items, you may need to rent a storage unit.
2. Depersonalize. Remove and store away personal items like family photos, wall art with children’s names, and so on. Also put out of sight any banking information, emails, or documents with identifying or sensitive information. Things like medication, jewelry, and firearms should also be securely put away.
3. Tidy Storage Spaces. Buyers will look inside closets and pantry areas to see how much space there is for storage. You can keep your items inside, but make them tidy and neat. Fold towels and linens, organize food items, put shoes neatly inside closets, and use bins to help store small items.
4. Regular Maintenance. Take care of all the regular maintenance on your house. Service HVAC systems, change filters, replace lightbulbs, fill salt in the water softener, etc. Be sure all regular maintenance is complete prior to listing your home. Buyers will notice if your home has been maintained.
5. Make Minor Repairs. All homes need attention and over time little things can break. Go through your home and make a list. Fix leaky faucets, squeaky doors, loose railings, or broken tiles. A home that’s well taken care of makes a statement to the buyers that the sellers took care of the home.
6. Update Outdated Features. You may not have the budget to do a major renovation, but most sellers can add some paint to a dingy room or dinged-up trim. Consider replacing dated light fixtures, cabinet hardware, or faucets for a more modern look. All of these small touches add up to make your home look updated and more appealing.
7. Use Neutral Colors. You can brighten up a home by using neutral colors throughout. Use neutral colors for walls, bedding, and décor to appeal to a wide range of buyers. Add blankets, throws, pillows, and rugs in light, neutral colors to help lighten a room.
8. Improve Lighting. A dimly-lit home does not show well. Clean windows and make sure all blinds or curtains are working and can be opened for showings. Replace low wattage bulbs for brighter ones. Add lamps in dark corners or in rooms without overhead lights. Make sure each area of the home is well lit.
9. Check the Exterior. Walk around the exterior of your home to check that downspouts are connected and directed away from the house. Organize or put away stacks of wood, bikes, or toys cluttering up the yard. Power wash siding, walkways, and decks. Repair steps, decks, and railings.
10. Enhance Curb Appeal. As the weather warms, trim bushes and trees, mow the lawn, and add fresh mulch or flowers. Repaint your front door and shutters if they are faded. Add a new welcome mat and potted flowers by the front door. If you have nice outdoor furniture, clean it and set it up to show off your outdoor living spaces.
11. Deep Clean. One of the last steps before listing your home is to do a deep clean. You may want to hire professional cleaners to assist you. A dirty home is a huge turn off to buyers. All areas of your home, floors, trim, bathrooms, kitchen, etc., should shine. Buyers will notice a clean house and feel more confident that the sellers took good care of their home.
12. Stage the Home. Now you are ready for the final touches. Arrange furniture to highlight the functionality and flow of each room. Be sure all personal items and clutter is put away. Place any new decor items, like throws and pillows. Add fresh flowers, candles, or a bowl of fruit to create a welcoming atmosphere.
Preparing your home to sell takes a lot of hard work, but it can pay off significantly by attracting more buyers, selling faster, and maximizing your home’s value. Talk with your real estate professional early in the process. She can walk through your house with you, help you make a list, and prioritize projects according to your budget and your home’s resale value. With spring right around the corner, get started on preparing your home to sell. Your hard work now will pay off when the weather turns warmer and eager homebuyers rush into the market.
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