Last week a client called me about listing their house and wanted to know if now was a good time to sell or should they wait for Spring. Technically, there really is no bad time to sell your home. The market is busiest during May and June, but people buy and sell houses sell all year. If you are thinking about putting your home on the market this fall, a little preparation can help your house stand out from the competition.
- Hire the best agent –An expert in your area can advise you regarding recent comparable sales, and how to properly price your home. Since more than 90% of home buying begins on the web, it is crucial that your agent has a good web presence and will market your home with high quality photographs, property videos, and independent websites.
- Pre-inspection- Fix what you can before it goes on the market, buyers become their own contractors during this part of the negotiation, for every $1 you don’t spend the buyer will want $3 to repair.
- Make your home sparkle- eliminate all the odors. Freshen up the baths with new shower curtains, a new toilet seat and towels. Add crisp new linens in the bedrooms too. Clean the windows, trim back shrubs and trees, replace heavy drapery with sheer curtains or shades and put sheer white shades on your lamps and higher-wattage bulbs to make your home as light and bright as possible.
- The front of the house- First impressions can make or break your deal, good curb appeal creates the proper excitement to see what is inside. Edge your lawn, mulch flower beds, clean the driveway and paint the door and trim.
- The living room- Get rid of clutter, including a third of your furniture. Paint the walls a neutral white and add touches of color.
- The kitchen- It rarely pays to renovate your kitchen, but painting or replacing your cabinet fronts instead or adding a new back-splash are inexpensive touches that can make a big difference.
This week's Real Estate Insight: Concentrate on accentuating what you already have rather than adding additional features to get the most bang for your buck. Quick fixes before selling almost always pay off; If done correctly, buyers will recognize the full potential of your property and it will be reflected in their offers. You probably won’t get your money back if you do a huge improvement project before you put your house on the market.
Last week a client called me about listing their house and wanted to know if now was a good time to sell or should they wait for Spring. Technically, there really is no bad time to sell your home. The market is busiest during May and June, but people buy and sell houses sell all year. If you are thinking about putting your home on the market this fall, a little preparation can help your house stand out from the competition. 
