Selling your home this spring may actually require more preparation than it would have a year or two ago.

Today's housing market is distinct. There are more homes for sale than this time last year, but inventory remains historically low. So, if a house has been on the market for a while, it may not be appealing to potential buyers. But here's the thing:

Today, homes with good curb appeal and presentation sell quickly and sometimes for more than the asking price. Danielle Hale, Chief Economist at realtor.com, says:

“In a market where costs are still high and buyers can be a little choosier, it makes sense they’re going to really zero in on the homes that are the most appealing.”

With the spring buying season rapidly approaching, now is the time to begin preparing your home for sale. Working with a trusted real estate agent who can help you understand which improvements are most valuable in your local market is the best way to determine where to spend your time and money.

Curb Appeal Wins

Finding smaller projects you can do yourself is one way to prioritize updates that could provide a good return on your investment. Small changes that improve your curb appeal usually work well. According to Investopedia:

“Curb-appeal projects make the property look good as soon as prospective buyers arrive. While these projects may not add a considerable amount of monetary value, they will help your home sell faster—and you can do a lot of the work yourself to save money and time.”

Small cosmetic updates, such as freshening up the paint and power washing the exterior of your home, make a great first impression and help it stand out to buyers. Work with Lydia Gable Realty Group to identify low-cost home improvement projects that will appeal to buyers in your area.

Not All Updates Are Created Equal

Remember that you are making these repairs and updates for someone else when deciding what you need to do to your house before selling it. Projects that will help you sell faster or for more money should take precedence over things that will appeal to you as a homeowner.

Remember to seek the best advice on the updates you should invest in from your trusted real estate advisor. They'll know what local buyers want and have the most up-to-date information on what your home needs to sell quickly this spring.

To help your home stand out from the competition, you should:

1. Curb Appeal: Make sure your home’s exterior is clean and inviting. Pressure wash the siding, plant colorful flowers, and add a fresh coat of paint to the front door if needed.

2. Declutter and Depersonalize: Create a blank slate for potential buyers by removing personal items, excess furniture, and anything else that can distract them from the home’s features.

3. Repair and Upgrade: Fix any small issues like dripping faucets, cracked windows, etc. If the budget allows, consider replacing outdated fixtures, appliances, and flooring.

4. Showcase the Home: Take professional-quality photos of the interior and exterior of the home and create a virtual tour.

5. Price it Right: Have a local real estate agent do a comparative market analysis (CMA) to help you determine the best asking price.

By taking these steps, you should be able to attract more buyers and sell your home quickly this spring. Good luck!

Bottom Line

As we approach the spring season, now’s the time to get your house ready to sell. Let’s connect today so you can find out which updates make the most sense.