5 Tips To Prepare Your Home For Sale Spring 2023

It's no wonder that the housing market takes off in the Spring each year.? The sun is shining, the weather is warming and we begin to emerge from our cozy winter cocoons.? Looking for your new home becomes far more appealing without the piles of snow to trudge through, and copious layers of clothing! With this turn of season comes a little extra work outdoors to prepare your home - but this extra work is SURE to pay off when it comes to attracting buyers to see your place.? Read on for my Top 5 Tips To Prepare Your Home For Sale Spring 2023.? It’s time to look from the outside...in.

1. First Impressions Matter = How's Your Curb Appeal?

At any time of year, your curb appeal is the first glimpse of your home.? If there are areas that are in disrepair, this is the time to quickly tackle it! Take a good look at your home with fresh eyes as someone seeing it for the first time.? Is your house number visible?? How about the front door, could it use a fresh coat of paint? What about your outdoor lighting - these fixtures take a beating in the elements year after year, is the paint peeling? Perhaps it is time for a new fixture.? These are minor repairs that can dress up the very important FIRST IMPRESSION for a potential buyer. There are also a few larger outdoor projects you might consider such as exterior painting.? This is something to discuss with your realtor if having the exterior of your home painted before listing would be a good investment - or shoot me a message and I can help you weigh out the cost vs. the payback based on your square footage and location. This might not be in your budget which is why it is good to discuss with your realtor and plan accordingly.

2. Dead Winter Debris Be Gone!

The snow has melted, and under that white blanket lies...the remnants of last fall! Dead leaves, and debris make your lawn look unloved and weary. Many lawn care companies offer a spring introductory package (click HERE for an affordable company here in Calgary). For as little as $200, many lawn care companies offer power rake and aeration, plus spring clean-up of leaves etc. If it is in your budget to do so, jump on these deals and allow the professionals to manicure your lawn for you!? If hiring someone for your outdoor work is not in your budget grab your rake and a friend, roll up your sleeves and get to work removing the dead leaves, lingering sticks and debris from the lawn.? There’s nothing like making your yard look more uniform and tidy with a good spring “brushing”.? It’s likely too cold to plant anything yet unless you find some hearty spring pansies, but you can always add a little pop of spring colour with a door wreath to brighten your entryway.

3. On Your Marks, get set…Start Sweeping!

As all Albertans know, spring means SWEEPING! Sweeping what you might ask? Our roads are maintained with a mixture of salt and sand to help with traction during the winter.? After the spring thaw, we are left with quite a large quantity of sand and debris on our walkways, driveways and roads.? The city works hard to send sweeper trucks around to all roads to clean up the muck from winter. Take advantage of this service by sweeping the mess on your walkways and driveways onto the street in time for street cleaning - all the mess on your driveway and walkways will be taken away as if it never existed! Taaa daaa! Instant Spring Curb Appeal!?

4. Let it Flow - Clear the Gutters and Drainspouts!

Take some time to check that your gutters and spouts are clean and ready for the spring rain!? Ensure your downspouts are down and AWAY from the house to be sure that runoff has no chance of chewing away at the foundation of your home.? Water that is left to pool near foundations is never a good impression.? If you suspect you have some issues with runoff and your foundation, talk with your realtor about ways to fix this either yourself, or with the help of a professional.? Gutters won’t show in your photos, but when the potential buyers do their home inspection, it will be noted by an inspector if the gutters and spouts are clean.? These little details show you have taken pride in your home, which gives buyers extra peace of mind that you’ve kept your property in tip top shape.?

5. De-Personalize Your Exterior...Goodbye Gnome!

We think of this for the INTERIOR of our homes, but can sometimes neglect the importance of this step for the EXTERIOR.? Just like inside, trinkets, memorabilia and extra clutter can be a distraction from the main attraction: your home.? It’s time to remove all seasonal decorations.? Yes! Even the Christmas lights! You’ll be packing them for the move anyways, why not get a head start?? Take down any expired wreaths or old door decorations;? Why not go one step further by updating your porch décor to a more “springy” feel.? Look carefully.? Perhaps your children made unique stepping stones for your garden at summer camp, or you still have great aunt Ruth’s 3’ garden gnome tucked precariously in the bushes…it’s time to simplify and remove even these!? Allow your home to be a neutral canvas for anyone coming to see it, EVEN before they step inside.??

Are you considering listing your home this spring? Do you have questions about the market right now in Calgary? Do you have questions about projects that will (or won’t!) be a good return on your investment before listing? Feel free to shoot me a message - I love discussing ways to help prepare for the sale of your home here in Calgary.?I will bring fresh eyes to the outside of your home this spring and help you prepare for an efficient sale when you’re ready!??

Erin Koschewski, [email protected] 587-215-8180 (phone or text)