Spring has sprung, and with it comes the sense of fresh new beginnings! Soon we will see buds on the trees, and already the daffodils and crocus are making an appearance. This hopeful time of year often brings the enthusiastic urge to clean, to refresh and to start again. And, of course, the desire to find your dream home! But first, some ideas on Spring Cleaning, how to get your house ready to sell, preparing to sell your house for top dollar. We all know this Real Estate market is crazy these days, and the spring we affectionately refer to it as “The Spring Buying Frenzy.” You don’t want to miss out on this, so putting some elbow grease in today puts dollars in your pocket tomorrow – for your future DREAM HOME!
Prepare, Act and Reap Rewards
How to Get Your House Ready to Sell
Now, where to start? Wondering where to focus your energy to get the most out of your sweat-equity? Follow along as we hit the top 7 ideas for getting started (Why 7 you may ask? Well, it’s because everyone else does 5 and WE are NOT like the rest!).
Grimy Gutters
We said it, a nasty, but necessary part of homeownership. Easy to ignore over time, but when preparing to sell your home, it is time to give them some attention. Why? It really boils down to preventing unexpected and possibly expensive repairs. Think basement flooding, roof damage, and cracked foundation; all expensive and not fun repairs to make. Cleaning gutters out, extend their lifespan, and will probably keep away some unwanted critters!
I Can See Clearly Now, Your Windows Are Clean
Trust me on this one, you never realize how dirty your windows are until you have them professionally cleaned. It makes a HUGE difference. Trying to show your home at its best means allowing sunlight to shine through and the spaces making them feel larger. Buyers like that kind of stuff! Clean windows (and mirrors) are an easy way to showcase your home.
Knockin’ On Heaven’s Door
It’s true, you never get a second chance to make a first impression. Think about it…what are Buyers looking at when their Real Estate Agent is fumbling with the lockbox? Consider giving your front door a mini-makeover with some new paint. Make it pop. It is not an expensive project but will have a powerful impact. Research shows homes with a front door that is charcoal gray or smoky black can bring you $6,300 more at closing. (and don’t forget to clean the spider webs!)
Garage Sale Love
You decluttered, you sorted, NOW you are ready to repurpose, reuse or recycle… Are you ready to Garage Sale? Check with your HOA if sales are permitted in your community, then prepare to earn a little cash. May and June are prime garage sale times! The weather is nice, and people are ready to come out of hibernation and talk to neighbors… and score some deals on your gently used items. Have some things that didn’t sell? Consider donating them to a local affordable housing service or shelter and they will go to good use! Or, some local non-profits may pick everything up, right from your driveway.
Aerate and Fertilize
Oh, another project that just screams “adulting”. You probably remember to mow your lawn, but it’s hard to make it last-minute healthy if you haven’t been keeping up with some long-term maintenance. Green and lush add to your curb appeal; brown, patchy and full of weeds… not so much.
If It Smells, Will It Sell?
Ever walked into someone’s home and immediately wonder, WHAT is that smell? We know you love your pets, but unfortunately Buyers do not. It’s time to clear odors from pets, smoke, dirty laundry, and last night’s dinner. Consider cleaning the musty and dusty vacuum cup or filter. Another thing to remember, some air fresheners, incense or candles can drive a Buyer right out of your house…sometimes even good things can be too much.
Dirty Detail Deeds
Still giving it to you real here: It is no fun to have your house on the market. You want it to sell for top dollar, quickly with the least inconvenience possible. Think getting ready for Thanksgiving dinner and guests…every day. Who really likes frantically making beds, washing dishes, picking up toys so you can dash out of the house for a showing? So, we say, let’s do this once and do it right. Tackle all of the little cleaning projects that might not make your weekly or even monthly cleaning tasks. Consider the cleanliness of: vent covers, light switches and outlet covers, doorknobs, frames, sliding door tracks, bathroom grout and caulk, and appliance interiors. Yes, Buyers will look, so just let them. And know you were ready!
A Helping Hand
Feeling inspired (or maybe a little bit overwhelmed)? As much as selling your home can be an exciting business deal, let’s face it, it is also emotional. Your LIFE did happen here, after all. So, a final tidbit: When you are ready for a new chapter, choose good help. You are going to spend a lot of time with your Realtor, so your Real Estate company should be authentic, passionate, unique, dedicated, and of course experts; just like The Barrington Group. We know how to get your house ready to sell. And, besides, we are a lot of fun to work with!
Community Calendar:
ParkerOnline.org
- 9 to 5 Musical – April 2, 7, 8, 9 – 7PM at Chaparral High School
- Once Upon A Mattress – April 8, 9, 14, 15, 16 – 7PM at Legend High School
- Easter Egg Painting with Canvas n’ Cupcakes – Saturday, April 9, 2022 – 1:30PM to 3:00PM at Parker Recreation Center
- Downtown Business Alliance – Monthly Trash Pick-up, High School kids need 20 hours of community services before they graduate in May
