Now is the right time to start prepping your home if you plan to put it on the market this spring – which is only a few short months away! Selling your home in the spring is a good idea if speed and a higher offer are your top priorities. According to the St. Louis Business Journal, homes listed in early May benefit from a 3.1% boost in final sale price. Let’s explore how homeowners can get ready for an active spring real estate market and sell their homes faster and at a higher price.
7 Tips for Selling Your Home
1. Clean and Declutter
Winter is a great time to clean out those closets and declutter your house. This is a perfect time to donate, recycle, or throw out any items in your home that you are not using. Less clutter and knick-knacks can help depersonalize your home and make it seem more spacious. When potential home buyers can envision themselves inside your home and understand the available space, they are more likely to consider your home.
2. Clean Your Windows
You want the maximum amount of light coming into your home. Dusty, dirty windows can make your home seem dark and unwelcoming. It’s essential to make sure your windows are squeaky clean, inside and out. Hire a professional service to handle the job – it’s worth the money.
3. Pay Attention to Odors
The smell of tobacco, pets, or food can kill a home sale. Carpets and other textiles hold odors. Have your carpets professionally cleaned before putting your home on the market. On nice days, open the windows and thoroughly air out your home. If you have pets, arrange a place for them to stay during open houses or home tours.
4. Make Repairs and Replacements
Potential home buyers will be making mental lists of things they will need to update or repair. Make that list shorter by repairing and updating as many items as possible in your home before it is listed. Fix any plumbing or electrical issues, ripped screens, holes in walls, or other known problems. Replacing aging or mismatched kitchen appliances is also a good idea.
5. Boost Your Curb Appeal
Home buyers will quickly judge a home based on how it looks as they drive up. They may not even take a home tour if your exterior is outdated or unappealing. Easy ways to improve your home’s curb appeal include power washing the exterior, replacing old house numbers and the mailbox, and cleaning up the landscaping. Painting your front door and trim can dramatically improve your home’s exterior.
6. Update Interior Paint
Painting the rooms in your home over the winter is a great way to clean from top to bottom and give it a fresh new look. This process is especially important if your surfaces look worn or the color needs to be updated. Choose a light neutral color palette that will appeal to the most potential buyers.
7. Create a Marketing Plan
Nearly 100% of home buyers now begin their home search online. Creating an online listing that captures the attention of buyers is the goal. Professional staging and photography can make a significant difference. If you have the budget, consider hiring a professional home stager or follow your real estate agent’s advice before having photos taken for your listing.
Work With An Experienced Real Estate Professional
Selling your home in the spring will be easier with the help of an experienced real estate agent. They’ll be able to assess your home and give you expert advice on the best ways to prepare before placing it on the market. Call Sandra Meranda at 314-691-1320 for a free market analysis of your home.
