5 Tips To Prep Your Home For The Spring Market

The days are getting longer and we can see the light at the end of the tunnel, literally. The sun is starting to shine, the snow is beginning to melt, and that only means one thing — spring is in the air. While we aren’t necessarily holding our breath that we won’t see another quick gnarly snow storm in May, (hello Minnesota?!) we can’t deny that the spring market is upon us, AKA peak season for real estate. 

First, let’s face it, doing just about anything in the winter is more difficult and that includes moving in and out of a home. The homes that didn’t sell in the fall are now coming back on the market, and many people want to sell and buy before school starts in the fall and before the snow starts up again this coming winter. Though the market has truly been unlike anything we’ve seen in recent years, interest rates remain historically low, and there is bound to be buyers coming out of the woodwork. 

So, you’re thinking of selling this spring or summer? If that’s the case, now is the time to start getting your home ready. You’ll want to ensure preparations are in place so that you can maximize the potential of your house and come out ahead. Here’s our top 5 tips to help prep your home for the spring market:

Get an agent involved early

Working with a seasoned agent will help you go to market in the best position to achieve your goals. Pricing and selling your home successfully revolve around experts that are knowledgeable in the current market who can offer invaluable insight and guidance in the home preparation process. A successful home sale means getting the right agent involved, and getting them involved early so that you can dive into the process with a streamlined approach from the very beginning.

Make improvements and pre-inspection repairs

Walk through your home with your agent to determine what improvements and repairs will give you the most payback. When a house is better maintained, it usually leads to a higher asking price. Make sure that major systems like plumbing, HVAC, and electrical are in working order and make note of signs of mold or mildew, damp basements, deteriorated roofs, and interior appliances like smoke detectors. If you find any problems, it is better to address them ahead of time to reduce any surprises and potential repair or credit costs down the road while under contract. Making improvements could be as simple as switching out appliances, a faucet, or adding some paint. Do all these things before you take pictures for your listing. 

De-clutter and de-personalize

Believe it or not, some psychological tactics come into play when selling. Pack up out-of-season clothing and put away personal items (including most family pictures). Buyers should be able to envision themselves living in your home, which can be difficult if your family portrait from the 90’s is hanging over the mantle. Just remember that potential buyers want to see your home, not your stuff. Instead, stick to neutral furnishings and versatile decorations that will appeal to a variety of people.

Start your spring cleaning

With the repair work finished and the clutter out, it’s a good time to give your home a deep clean. It’s far easier to keep a clean house tidy over the following months. Wiping out cabinets, dusting furniture, and cleaning floors go a long way to making your home look great. You may even consider having your carpets professionally cleaned or your exterior power-washed (curb appeal is key!)

Educate yourself 

With your house looking great and ready to go, it’s good to study exactly what is involved in selling a home. Go through each phase step-by-step in order to know what to expect and what pitfalls to avoid. It’s worth brushing up on local legislation, as well as knowing what you’re expected to disclose when selling your home. Research comparable homes in your area and come to terms with the local market. Your agent can help answer any questions you may have and help you feel ready to sell your home.

The real estate market is changing fast and often in these unprecedented times. If you’re considering putting your home on the market, now is the time to get in touch with a professional who can guide you through the process. So how do we make yours stand out from the crowd? Top quality photography, a 90-point marketing plan, and fierce negotiating. Want to learn more? Reach out to us at info@vibemn.com or 651.808.VIBE.