The Real Estate Corner: Get Ready to Sell

With spring about to arrive in full color, many homeowners will decide to sell their home.

Historically, spring has always been the best time to market and sell homes and this spring is no different. With the end of the school year only three months out, and with summer just around the corner, there are more homes coming on the market than at any other time of the year.

Our market is definitely hot, including the higher end properties. There are more buyers out searching and financing is becoming increasingly more available. The inventory of well-maintained homes continues to remain extremely low, which in turn has helped drive up our area values.

What still remains important when selling a home in any market, it must be clean and in good repair. This includes, in some cases, spending a little more upfront money in updating to ensure a faster sale and at the top end of your price range.

I have listed below some helpful hints in getting your home ready to sell:

• Make the most of that first impression. A well-manicured lawn, neatly trimmed shrubs, clutter free yard, porches and patios are a must. Plant flowers around the front door and in the beds in the backyard. Take care of any chipped paint or minor repairs. The home should be clean and in good repair. Any excess furniture or over-stocked closets should be put into storage. Look for improvements or updates particularly in the kitchen and bathrooms that cost the least amount of money, but bring the greatest return.

• Paint over those wild colors and remove outdated wallpapers. You might consider repainting those wild colored rooms, or replacing the older carpet and removing wallpaper. In most cases wallpaper dates a property and is rarely seen these days in new construction. Offering a paint, carpet or wallpaper allowance rarely works, buyers like to see what they’re going to get. If you do replace flooring, stick to more neutral colors.

• Make it light and bright. Make sure all burned-out bulbs are replaced, and that fixtures and windows are clean. During showings, open the blinds and turn on the lights. Buyers are looking for light and bright.

Unlike some parts of the country our market “Red Hot!” If you follow the suggestions above and price your home right it should sell quickly.

 
Gary Kuhatschek is a broker at RE/MAX Cross Country REALTORS located at 1990 Justin Rd. in Highland Village.  He can be reached at 972 317-9401 or by email [email protected] or www.garykuhatschek.