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Listing in the Spring? Do These Things Now!
Historically, spring is one of the most popular times to list homes, which means all the hard work and preparation usually begin in the winter. If you've never sold a home before, there are several things you'll want to do ahead of time to make sure your home is ready for the market and to maximize your return. The more work you put in upfront, the better your payoff is likely to be.
Our real estate agents are pros at helping clients prepare their homes for the market. If you're planning to list this spring, here is a quick checklist of things you'll need to take care of now:
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Find A Good Real Estate Agent
Thinking about selling? Contact one of our agents. Your agent can not only help you prepare your home for the market, but they'll also provide an honest in-depth evaluation of your home and help you determine how to price your home. They will negotiate on your behalf and guide you through the closing process. A good agent is essential, especially if this is your first time selling. -
Make Your Repairs And Upgrades
Your home has likely experienced some wear and tear during your time there, so now is the time to start making any necessary repairs and upgrades. When considering whether it makes sense to do an upgrade, remember that many large projects don't result in a positive ROI. However, replacing old appliances and simple renovation projects can often help increase the value of your property. Make sure to consult with your REALTOR when considering repairs and upgrades. Our REALTORS have seen plenty of homes and projects and can provide you with recommendations based on years of experience, current market trends, and industry projections in order to form an informed decision for your home.
When it comes to small cosmetic repairs, it's best to take care of them. Things like jiggling doorknobs and squeaky windows can easily turn a buyer off during a home tour, and they're easy and cheap to fix ahead of time. -
Get Rid Of "Junk"
Potential buyers won't want to see your belongings around the house, so now is the time to declutter. Go through all of your belongings and determine what can go. Parting with your stuff can be challenging, so try to consider how often you use a particular item. Also, donate what you can. If decluttering is difficult or you have a ton of stuff, renting a temporary storage unit can also come in handy.
Remember, when a buyer is touring your home, they are trying to imagine themselves in that space, and sometimes it's hard to do that if someone elses belongings are there.
While keeping simple furnishings is perfectly fine, consider putting away what is not needed and what may influence some buyers' opinions of your home. For example: Small tools laying around may signal to a buyer that the home needs constant repair.
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Deep Clean From Top To Bottom
After you've decluttered, go through and deep clean every room of the house. You'll need to go far beyond dusting and vacuuming -- you'll need to scrub. Don't forget to move furniture out of the way. You may even want to consider hiring a professional or asking a friend or family member to help. It's easy to overlook things when cleaning your home. Remember to clean ceiling fans, vents, blinds, baseboards, etc.
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Stage Your Home
Home staging is the process of furnishing and decorating a home to appeal to potential buyers. It often involves depersonalizing your space and opting for more neutral decor. Home staging can be challenging, so it's often best to consult with your real estate agent or a professional. If you want to compete with these beautiful Waco homes for sale, home staging is a must. If your home will be vacant during the selling process, please make sure to discuss home staging with your REALTOR.
After finishing this checklist, you'll be well on your way to successfully selling your home. Contact us to start the process of listing today.
If you'd like to keep an eye on the market in your area, we invite you to sign up for a 'Market Watch' today. This report can be delivered to your inbox at your desired frequency and will provide insights into a hyper-local market, from the number of homes listed for sale, those that are pending, the average number of days on the market, average price, etc. At 'Kelly, Realtors' we love to provide the tools and information to our clients in order to make informed decisions with confidence!