Spring is right around the corner, and as we know in the real estate world, when the weather warms up, houses start to sell. If you’re looking to sell your house in the near future, now would be a great time to get ahead on any projects and repairs that need to be done to refresh your space and get it on the market!
When building your to-do list, put yourself in the buyer’s shoes. Imagine you are looking for a home to buy- you don’t want there to be a laundry list of changes and repairs that need to be done. Rather, you want to be able to picture yourself living happily in the space from the moment you walk in.
First things first, curb appeal. We’ve all heard it- having curb appeal is one of the single most important factors when it comes to successfully marketing a home. The exterior is the first thing buyers see and determines whether or not they’ll even consider touring your home. Powerwash your sidewalks, driveways, porches and even your house itself if you have vinyl or wood siding. Things should look as brand-new as possible! And don’t forget the importance of landscaping! Keep your grass trimmed and green, and ensure your flower beds are presentable. If you’re unsure of where to begin, hiring a professional is always an option as well- a few flowers can go a long way! Focus on bushes and flowers that are easily manageable and will last for years to come.
Give everything a fresh coat of paint. If your house looks like it needs a touch-up, or has an uncommon paint color, we suggest giving it a new paint job. Choose a neutral color that caters to a number of different styles such as white, light grey, beige or even a light muted blue.
Give your roof and gutters a good thorough check. While both of these should be checked regularly, it’s especially important to do so when you’re selling your house- just to make sure things are in good working condition. Check for any roof leaks or damage that may need repair, and clean your gutters of the dirt and debris that naturally piles up.
Lastly, give the interior a good deep clean. Scrub every corner, wax your floors, shine your appliances. Anything you can do to give buyers the impression of a “new” house, the better. Additionally, begin decluttering your spaces and personal decor- minimal decor makes it easier for you to keep things in order when an open house or a tour is coming up, and easier for buyers to imagine the space styled with their own items.
Getting these simple tasks done early can buy you a lot of time. When you do have your house appraised, if something unexpected comes up you’ll have peace of mind knowing that your basic tasks have already been completed, rather than a long list of upgrades to make!
