SPRING INTO ACTION- By Ann Bienstock
We still have snow on the ground, yet the calendar shows that spring is approaching real soon. Sellers commonly start marketing their homes in the beginning of spring. The weather is pleasant, the buyers are bountiful. The only drawback of the busy spring selling season is the competition from so many homes available. The goal here is to make your home stick out from the others and sell it fast while getting the best price without burying yourself with unnecessary expenses.
• First impressions count – keep exterior freshly painted. Power-wash if necessary. The walkway to front door should be clear and welcoming. Grass and shrubs should be trimmed. Front door should not be warped or have paint peeling or chipped. All outside lights should be functioning correctly.
• Clean up! – This takes a trip to Target or Costco, but it is vital in selling a home. Nothing turns away a buyer more than a house which looks neglected. Throw out or donate worn out sofas, armchairs, toys, old books and newspapers. Make sure there’s easy walkway around furniture. Shampoo carpet and polish wood floors.
• Paint – putting a fresh coat of paint on walls and moldings definitely make your home more appealing and shows a buyer you care. Remember, keep colors neutral.
• Fix code violations – make sure you don’t have any open permits from any construction you may have done over the years. Call your building department if you are unsure. This might be a bit costly, but it would be quite difficult to sell your home without proper permits.
• Inspect your home – this means exactly that! It’s worthwhile to hire a professional home inspector so he can examine your home and advise you on which repairs he feels are priority or which are just cosmetic.
• Put appliances under home warranty – this gives buyers more confidence, especially when dealing with an older home. Don’t forget, most first time home buyers don’t have extra cash to replace old appliances when they make their purchase, so this is a good incentive.
• Freshen up kitchen & bath – get rid of mildew stains and re-caulk old tiles. If you have a bit extra money, replace toilets in bathrooms (if they are very old), update light fixtures and sinks in both kitchen and baths. This shouldn’t cost too much, but surely makes quite a difference.
These are just a few ideas to start getting your home ready for sale this coming spring season. Feel free to contact me anytime for more tips and great ideas. With these helpful hints, you are definitely on your way to having the “sold” sign on your yard.
We still have snow on the ground, yet the calendar shows that spring is approaching real soon. Sellers commonly start marketing their homes in the beginning of spring. The weather is pleasant, the buyers are bountiful. The only drawback of the busy spring selling season is the competition from so many homes available. The goal here is to make your home stick out from the others and sell it fast while getting the best price without burying yourself with unnecessary expenses.
• First impressions count – keep exterior freshly painted. Power-wash if necessary. The walkway to front door should be clear and welcoming. Grass and shrubs should be trimmed. Front door should not be warped or have paint peeling or chipped. All outside lights should be functioning correctly.
• Clean up! – This takes a trip to Target or Costco, but it is vital in selling a home. Nothing turns away a buyer more than a house which looks neglected. Throw out or donate worn out sofas, armchairs, toys, old books and newspapers. Make sure there’s easy walkway around furniture. Shampoo carpet and polish wood floors.
• Paint – putting a fresh coat of paint on walls and moldings definitely make your home more appealing and shows a buyer you care. Remember, keep colors neutral.
• Fix code violations – make sure you don’t have any open permits from any construction you may have done over the years. Call your building department if you are unsure. This might be a bit costly, but it would be quite difficult to sell your home without proper permits.
• Inspect your home – this means exactly that! It’s worthwhile to hire a professional home inspector so he can examine your home and advise you on which repairs he feels are priority or which are just cosmetic.
• Put appliances under home warranty – this gives buyers more confidence, especially when dealing with an older home. Don’t forget, most first time home buyers don’t have extra cash to replace old appliances when they make their purchase, so this is a good incentive.
• Freshen up kitchen & bath – get rid of mildew stains and re-caulk old tiles. If you have a bit extra money, replace toilets in bathrooms (if they are very old), update light fixtures and sinks in both kitchen and baths. This shouldn’t cost too much, but surely makes quite a difference.
These are just a few ideas to start getting your home ready for sale this coming spring season. Feel free to contact me anytime for more tips and great ideas. With these helpful hints, you are definitely on your way to having the “sold” sign on your yard.
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