Spring is in the air, and so are potential buyers looking for a new home. Inventory of houses often rises in the spring, so getting a home in pristine condition is a must when competing in the home buying market. The largest number of buyers are actively searching for a new home in the months of April, May, and June. Many buyers are families that want to be settled in their new home before a new school year starts.
Getting a Home Ready for Buyers
There are many ways to get a home ready to put on the market in the spring. If the house has been on the market for a while, take the listing down, update the photos to reflect the spring image, and relist it. Buyers are more likely to look at a newer listing and be drawn to bright spring landscaping when comparing to the outdoor colors of winter and fall. Be sure to use a professional photographer so you know you are getting quality photos of the house.
Using Scenic Advantages Outdoors
Spring is an opportunistic time to take advantage of what nature has to offer. With flowers in bloom and grass at its finest, curb appeal is a perfect way to attract buyers. Remember that many potential buyers will drive by the house before contacting a real estate agent or attending an open house. Power wash any areas that seem dull or dirty. Apply a fresh coat of paint if the old coat is cracked or peeling. When getting the yard ready, be sure to clean away all the dead leaves and trim the trees and shrubs. Mow the grass diagonally because it makes the yard appear bigger. If landscaping is in place, clean out any weeds. If pebbles or mulch were used, make sure they are refilled to cover any bare spots. Studies suggest that yellow flowers stimulate buying and induce the feeling of happiness and contentment. Spruce up the entryway with yellow flowers to help induce this feeling in potential buyers.
Spring Cleaning Indoors
Indoors, you’ll want to encapsulate the season. Spring cleaning is a must! Wash all windows and mirrors and clear out any leftover dust and spiderwebs from the winter. Use a high-gloss polish on all the floors in your house. Clean the drapes and open the windows to show off that shine. If the weather is nice outside, open up the windows for a nice spring breeze to flow through the house. Display flowers that are local and fragrant. Local flowers are less likely to aggravate allergies and can be calming because they are natural.
Preparing for an Open House
When having an open house, think from a buyer’s point of view. A popular trend set by buyers in the market is minimal and modern. When buyers attend a viewing, they want to be able to imagine themselves living in the house at that moment in time. Remove winter clothing from closets to create a sense of space and time. De-clutter and remove anything personal that might distract the potential buyer from creating their own space in their mind. Decorate in spring colors such as yellow, pink, pale blue, or lavender. On the day of the open house, put out balloons and have water and small snacks available for the potential buyers. After the open house, have a customized note ready to send to potential buyers. In this note, include fun things to do in the spring that are local. This will help them imagine themselves living in the house for years to come.
If you would like more information about preparing your home for a spring sale, contact The Damron Group, located in San Marcos, TX.
