Preparing Your Home For A Hot Spring Market

As we await the busy spring real estate market that is only a short time away, we get calls and messages from homeowners all the time who are ready to sell but who are completely stressed out about getting their homes ready for the market. Selling your home in a hot market can be both exciting and stressful. On one hand, you have the potential to sell your home quickly and for top dollar. On the other hand, you're going to be dealing with a fast-paced competitive market.

Our response?

Take a deep breath. You can do this, and we’re going to help you every step of the way. We will put together an action-oriented plan with some simple and doable steps that will keep the entire process moving along worry-free. Getting your home ready for the market is like most things in life: the anticipation is the worst part. But remember, hiring a solid agent is KEY to helping you prepare, price, market, and negotiate top dollar your home. We’re here to guide you every step of the way!?

Here are some ideas to get you started:

?

Depersonalize Your House

Pack away personal items, family keepsakes, and distracting objects to present buyers with a clean and neutral environment. This makes it easier for them to imagine their own belongings and decor in the home. Only keep understated furniture that won't create a strong impression, to avoid making it difficult for buyers to envision their own furnishings in the space.

?

Declutter Your House

Simplify your life by getting rid of items you haven't used in over a year. Donate them to charity or a nonprofit, which can benefit those in need. If certain items are not accepted, check with your town for pickup services. Clear bookcases and kitchen counters and store daily essentials in boxes for an efficient packing process when the time comes for you to move.

?

Organize Your Bedroom Closets and Storage Cabinets

Impress potential buyers by organizing your storage spaces, such as closets and cabinets. A cluttered and disorganized appearance can leave a negative impression, while neat and tidy storage showcases attention to detail and care for possessions. In the kitchen, arrange spice jars alphabetically and neatly stack dishes, with coffee cup handles facing the same way. In closets, hang shirts with buttons done up and line up shoes neatly. This will demonstrate to buyers that the house has been well-maintained.

?

Consider Renting A Storage Unit

For a more appealing look, reduce the amount of furniture in your home. Store pieces that obstruct or limit movement, as well as any distracting furniture, artwork, and empty bookcases. This will create a more open and accessible space. Leave just enough furniture to showcase the room's purpose with plenty of room for buyers to move around.?

?

Remove Or Replace Favourite Items

Before showing the house, remove any window coverings, appliances, or fixtures you plan to take with you. This includes items like a chandelier in the dining room that adds to the house's appeal but is not part of the sale. Avoid disappointment by taking down these items before a buyer requests their inclusion and it becomes an issue.

?

Make Minor Repairs

To sell a home effectively, address any necessary repairs in the property. This is particularly important in normal markets or a buyer's market, where repairs can greatly impact the success of a sale.

?

Fix any damaged floor or counter tiles, and patch any wall holes. Repair leaky faucets and doors that do not close properly, and fix any kitchen drawers that are not functioning correctly. Consider painting walls with neutral colours to appeal to a wider range of buyers and avoid creating a strong and potentially unappealing visual memory, such as an orange bathroom.

Ensure that all lightbulbs are functioning, replacing any that are burned out or have been in service for a considerable period of time. This helps to prevent any negative experiences for buyers during showings, as the last thing you want is for a bulb to blow out when the light switch is turned on. Take these steps to make the buyer's experience as positive as possible.

?

Get The House Cleaned

For a top-notch showing, consider hiring professional cleaners to tackle a deep clean of your home. This can include tasks such as washing windows, pressure washing outdoor surfaces, re-caulking fixtures, and shining chrome and mirrors. Make sure to remove all dust and debris from furniture, cabinets, closets, and other hidden areas.

To maintain a clean appearance, make an effort to vacuum daily, wax floors, dust surfaces, and keep bathrooms and kitchen sparkling. Present a welcoming atmosphere with fresh towels and keep toilet lids closed when not in use.

Prioritize removing any musty odours from your home. The day before a showing, refrain from cooking foods with strong scents like fish, garlic, or cabbage as these can linger. Keep an eye on areas affected by pets, like litter boxes, to ensure no unpleasant smells are present during the viewing.

?

And Finally

Step into each room of your home, pause at the doorway and visualize it from a potential buyer's perspective. Assess the furniture placement and rearrange it for optimal visual appeal. Ensure window treatments are hung straight. After thoroughly cleaning and repairing everything, it's time to stage your home for showings.

?

Thinking about selling?

Give Paige a call!

780-881-8155

Want to keep talking about selling your home in 2023? I’d love to! Send me a message or give me a call, and I'Il be in touch.

#YMM #YMMRealtor #YMMRealEstate #FortMcMurray #FortMcMurrayRealEstate #FortMcMurrayRealtor #FMHomes #RealEstate #Realtor #RealEstateTips #RealtorTips #Selling #Buying #Homeownership #HomeOwners #BuyYMM #SellYMM #ListingAgent #BuyersAgent #ListingYourHomeYMM #YMMListingAgent #YMMBuyersAgent #YMMSpringRealEstateMarket #SpringRealEstate #SpringRealEstateMarket