Spring Has Come … and With it the Selling Season

I love Spring and the atmosphere it brings.  The days are longer and warmer and an abundance of fabulous flowers are can be seen in all colors of the rainbow.  In my garden the roses are blooming again and the many, many tulip bulbs I’ve planted are coming up.

 Spring also starts what is historically known as the “selling season” for homes across the United States. In San Diego County we are fortunate our weather allows our “selling season” to be year round; but generally speaking, Spring is when many homeowners prepare  to sell their homes.

 In these current economic times homeowners have to do everything possible to attract and “wow” potential buyers. If you are able to create your homes’ “wow” factor, your home will stand out from others on the market.

 Here are 5 Tips that a homeowner can do to create their homes’ “wow” factor before putting it on the market.

1.  Only 7 Seconds Make a First Impression – You only have one chance to make a first impression and that impression means everything. There are no second chances. Curb appeal is everything when it comes to getting top dollar for your home. No matter how gorgeous the interior is if you cannot get buyers up to your front door then your home won’t sell! It is important to make your home welcoming. A homeowner can do that inexpensively and tastefully, by adding new colorful flowers and plants, power washing sidewalks and painting just the front door. Don’t forget to clean out your gutters and make sure your outdoor lighting is working properly.
2. The Most Important Room in the House? – The Kitchen is the most important room in your home, and it is what generally sells it. How important is it? The benefits of a mini facelift or remodel are endless. Investing in your kitchen will put dollars in your pocket. You can repaint old worn cabinets instead of replacing them. Changing out your countertops will give your kitchen a fresh update. Just adding a fancy high end stainless steel refrigerator will do wonders.  A quick update that can do wonders. The fastest, and most inexpensive updates are painting, adding new cabinet hardware, and using  a neutral color paint so a buyer can better visualize their own style.
3. De-Clutter Your Home – Remove the home in your home, meaning, de-personalize it. Remove most of your photos, expensive artwork and memorabilia collection. The more of your personal belongings you put away the better a buyer can visualize themselves in your home. By removing half of your things from your closets, then neatly organizing the rest, the buyer will have an impression of roomy closets. I also recommend using a Home Stager as they can look at your home with an un-biased eye and see just what will make your home more appealing to a buyer.  They will suggest simple solutions like removing over sized furniture, clutter and unnecessary items. A home that is staged will generally sell faster and at a higher price then a vacant home. Attention to details is what makes one home sell while another sits on the market for months.
4. Always Have Your Home “Ready” – Always have your home “ready” to be shown. You never know when the buyer is going to show up to view your home. Make your beds, do the dishes, clean out the dishwasher, put laundry away and have fresh flowers on the table. If possible, bake chocolate chip cookies and leave them on the counter. It is inconvenient, but your objective is to sell your home, and these simple steps will help.
5. Set the price Right – Price your home right. A price set too high will not attract buyers. Today’s buyers are savvy and know when a home is priced to sell. One way to get multiple bids is to price your home lower then others with similar features. Even in today’s market, buyers will bid the price up because they feel they are getting a deal. Sellers have to be willing to take the risk.  But in today’s market this is the single best strategy to sell your home faster than your neighbors.

 All these suggestions might sound stressful, but remember your goal is “to sell your home”. Once you receive a contract on your home you will realize all your spring cleaning was worth it. And remember, don’t throw out your favorite items just put them in storage so they will be ready for your new home!

 If you want more information on getting your home ready to sell or need help with the process I can be reached at 619-980-2738 or visit my website.