While the best time to sell a home is whenever you’re ready, there are some significant advantages to doing so in the spring. Most notably, the abundance of buyers who flood the spring market at this time of year can help you secure a higher price and a quicker sale. Carrying out strategic home preparations can help you maximize these benefits—but only if you do it in the right way.
Here are six tips to help you prepare your home for the market this spring…
1) Clean thoroughly
Dust and clutter have a way of building up during the colder months. If you’re preparing to sell your home this spring, tackling them is an absolute necessity.
Start by paring down your belongings and arranging to donate any items that you no longer need. Next, perform a deep clean that extends from your shower grout to your ceiling fan blades. Remember: no matter how thorough you are, professional cleaners are in the best position to ensure your home is pristine.
2) Tackle minor repairs
When the weather warms up, any damage that may have occurred during the winter starts to show. While these small defects may not make or break your sale, they can have a very real impact on a buyer’s perception of your home.
To avoid making the wrong impression, perform a mini inspection to spot potential areas of improvement. From a clogged gutter to a ripped window screen to a squeaky door, the little things matter. Fortunately, an experienced local agent can connect you to a qualified home professional if you need some help.
3) Consider painting
Walls tend to take on a lacklustre appearance after a couple of years, but a fresh coat of paint can instantly revive them. Of course, choosing the right shade is key—in fact, studies show that it may add thousands of dollars to your sale price.
Brightening hues that reflect natural light work well in the springtime. While opting for neutrals is always a safe bet, you may also want to consider colours that take subtle inspiration from nature (like a pale green or periwinkle).
4) Add tasteful accents
When it comes to staging, simplicity can help highlight the possibilities of your space. That means not overdoing it in terms of decor—and choosing the right, elegant pieces.
Selecting accents that evoke the great outdoors can help you create a positive mood. Think modern vases containing fresh-cut flowers, throw rugs in spring colours, and light (yet luxurious) blankets and throw pillows.
5) Let the light inside
When the sun comes out—along with the birds and flower buds—the last thing you want is for your space to feel dim or cramped. To give it a bright, airy feel, you’ll want to focus on your window treatments.
Heavy fabrics and highly-ornate flourishes can have a stuffy and old-fashioned feel. Instead, opt for more sheer materials. Don’t forget to open the curtains (and, weather-permitting, the windows) when showing time rolls around! (more on this here)
6) Focus on curb appeal
You can make your property more welcoming by taking steps to enhance your outdoor space. It goes without saying that your lawn should be healthy and well-kempt, but your efforts shouldn’t stop there.
If you have broken shingles or worn-out siding, you may seriously want to consider replacing them. Touch up any places where paint is faded or chipping, and consider other small enhancements (like a fresh Welcome mat or some new, sophisticated light fixtures).
A deep cleaning, a few pieces of decor, and a bit of yard work can vastly improve your home’s appeal—and set the scene for a better selling result. It all starts with an experienced local agent who has staging expertise—and the right local connections!
Reach out today to learn more about our staging efforts, and to start the selling process so you can take advantage of the spring market.