Selling your home can be stressful, no matter what time of the year it is, but if you are thinking about selling, spring might be the perfect time! The winter months are behind us and the warmer days are hopefully here to stay!

Declutter and pack

Buyers need to be able to see themselves in a home, and that would be difficult to do with your personal belongings like family heirlooms, photos, etc., around. Start this process as early as possible, before the house is listed or photographs are taken. Less stuff in your home will make it look bigger and cleaner, and packing everything that you think you would not use until you move will make the experience less stressful. You can store your boxes and stacking them in the garage or rent a small storage unit to keep the home as neat as possible when the new buyers come to take a look.

Hire a Home Inspector and Make Necessary Repairs

After the property goes “Under Contract”, the buyer’s will more than likely want a home inspection. To prevent running into surprises during this phase, consider having an inspection before you list your home. This will help you discover potential issues that might come up, and give you the opportunity to correct before going on the market. Your willingness to do needed repairs will ultimately help the home sell quicker. You don’t want to waste money and time with needless projects, but if you leave serious problems behind, they will show up in the inspection report and possibly make buyers walk away. Make a list of all things you’ve meant to repair around the house (touch up paint, holes in the wall, leaky faucet, broken or squeaky doors and drawers broken light bulbs…) and hire a professional to make any needed repairs. Anything structural or mechanical problem, should be fixed if the seller knows of the defect.

Deep Clean Inside and Out

This should be beyond the day-to-day clean. Focus on the inside first. You may even want to hire a professional for help. Wash the windows. For worn and stained carpets, you can rent a carpet-cleaning machine (available at most Grocery or Home Improvement stores) or hire a professional do the work. Pay special attention to the bathrooms and kitchen. You will want to make kitchen as spotless and uncluttered as possible, so be sure the inside of the refrigerator and cabinets are clean and orderly because you never know where a buyer might look. Clear-off countertops, storing away all small appliances, dishracks, etc. Get the countertops, backsplash, and grout spotless. In the bathroom, re-caulk tubs, showers, and sinks, clean faucets, towel hangers, wash or replace shower curtains, hang fresh towels and keep the toilet lid closed. Open the windows and let fresh air come in because bad odors are a big turn off and some buyers might even not come in the house if the odor is too strong. Avoid cooking anything with strong smell the day of and even the night before showing your property to buyers. You may want to get an essential oil diffuser. If you decide to go with scented candles, never leave them burning unattended as it is a fire hazard. On the outside use a pressure washer to wash the siding, doors, patio and the driveway. Adding some colorful flowers in pots would also be beneficial. Make it as welcoming as possible, but also remember that a lot of times less is more. Trim up foliage, pull weeds, clean up debris, replace dead grass and shrubs. 

Buyers who will want to tour your home will ask their agent to book a showing through your agent. Good real estate agents will help manage the showings with your schedule. You will always need to be flexible and prepared for last-minute showings. You need to be prepared to leave the house at any time during the available showing hours.