Ask Phyllis: a blog series of frequently asked real estate questions. Please email us here.
Dear Phyllis,
I have been enjoying your real estate Q + A for years. And I have a question: We will be selling our home in the spring. What can we do now to begin planning a spring home sale?
Donna
Dear Donna,
Select your Realtor: Do some research to find an experienced real estate agent knowledgeable about your local real estate market. Maybe you have met an agent at an open house that you connected with. You can also ask friends, family members, and co-workers for recommendations. Be sure to check their online reviews and ask for references.
Once you have hired your real estate agent, they can help you decide what is most important. Do you want to spend the time, energy, and money to prepare your home so that you can sell it for the highest price? Or is it important to sell with the least effort? Or are you somewhere in between?
I love when home sellers get me involved early in the process. There are so many simple things that can be taken care of beforehand. If planning on a spring home sale, one of the simplest things you can do is to ensure that your curb appeal is addressed. A gardener can trim back hedges and trees so that your home is clearly visible. You will have ample time to get a lush green lawn.
In over twenty-five years of selling real estate, I have never had a client who didn’t tell me that they moved things to their new home that should have been dealt with previously, either by donation or trash. Declutter, and then declutter again.
You and your agent may decide that you need a fresh coat of paint. Have your Realtor® or home stager assist you with color selection. I have two favorite painters, and they are typically booked a month out. So you can see why planning is the key to promptly getting your home on the market.
A leisurely game plan will alleviate a lot of the stress involved with selling your home. Best of luck to you on your move.
Curb appeal definitely attracts positive attention and it’s not just for buyers and sellers. Whenever I take the time to spruce up the flower beds etc in the spring a neighbor or two almost always comment on how nice it looks.