How to prepare your home for the upcoming spring homebuying market

The longer days and warmer temperatures of spring herald an awakening not only in nature, but typically also in the country’s housing market.

And with housing inventory being tighter than normal, a newly listed property is sure to generate some interest. But there are some simple tips you can consider to help make your property stand out and position yourself for a successful sale. By doing so, you could not only generate more interest in your property, but potentially yield a higher purchase price as well.

If you plan to count yourself among those sellers taking advantage of the increased sales activity this spring, follow these simple but important tips for preparing your home for the busy spring homebuying market…

Make a list of repairs that you can’t ignore

Before listing your property, you’ll want to address any pressing repairs that potential buyers likely won’t want to deal with. You should do a full sweep of the home, noting everything that is either not functioning properly or that may be unsightly.

“Try to put yourself in the shoes of a potential buyer and be picky,” Royal LePage notes in a blog post. “This could be everything from a small hole in the wall, chipped paint or leaky faucet, all the way up to larger fixes like a leaky roof or cracked foundation. Once you have your list, it’s time to prioritize.”

Whether you plan to tackle the repairs on your own or if you plan to hire a professional, be sure to leave adequate time to ensure all repairs are completed before the ‘for sale’ sign goes up on your front lawn.

Consider some easy upgrades that can leave an impression

Besides repairs, you may want to consider some easy and cost-effective upgrades that add a little more ‘wow’ factor to your property. This can include replacing outdated hardware, particularly in the kitchen and bathrooms, like door and cabinet handles or even light switches and face plates. A fresh coat of paint can also go a long way to improving the look and feel of your home.

De-winterize and freshen up the property

Winter can take a toll on the appearance of your property, particularly the exterior. When listing your home, you want to make sure your house shines…literally.
Ensure gardens and any other outdoor spaces are properly cleaned up, removing any leaves left over from the fall or garbage that may have found a home on the property. The goal is to enhance the curb appeal of your home and make a good first impression to any potential buyer.

But don’t neglect the interior either. With potential buyers walking through your home and peeking into cupboards and closets, you’ll need to do a deep clean, ensuring that even the most out-of-reach spots aren’t forgotten.

Get your paperwork in order

Don’t wait until your house is about to go on the market before ensuring you’ve located all your essential documents. This can include receipts or building permits for major renovation work or repairs you’ve carried out, which could support a higher asking price.

You’ll also require current bills, such as the current year’s property taxes, school taxes and utilities.

Have a mortgage professional review your financial plan

If you’re planning on selling, it likely means you’ll also be purchasing another home. In this case, it’s crucial to work with a Realtor and a licensed Mortgage Professional to establish a budget to estimate your proceeds from the sale along with how much you plan to spend on the new property. In addition to my own resources, I also work with an extensive network of Realtors and would be pleased to make an introduction.

If you would like help running the numbers, assistance with your pre-approval on your next purchase or an introduction to a local Realtor, contact me today!