If you're a prospective home seller, here are five things you can do now to get ready for a spring sale.
Start packing
It may sound crazy to start packing months in advance of your move, but since you'll eventually need to do this anyway, you might as well get organized now. We're not suggesting you pack up your kitchen and eat off paper plates, but you can sort through your storage closets, attic, basement or garage to determine what you want to keep, what to give away and what to sell. Boxing up items will make your space look larger and neater when it's time to show your home. You can also get an idea of whether you need to rent a storage facility while your home is on the market.
Clear away the clutter
If you visit model homes or open houses of homes that have been staged, you'll never see a stack of unread magazines, children's artwork loosely hanging on the refrigerator, or a cluster of unpaid bills on a table. While everyone has clutter, buyers want to see a fantasy version of your house, in which they can envision living. Once your home is on the market you'll need to keep it as neat as possible. One way to make that easier is to reduce the amount of clutter you have on your shelves and surfaces. Put away items that are regularly on your kitchen sink and pack away the family photos that gather dust.
Improve your home
While you don't necessarily want to do a major, expensive renovation project before you sell, you can make minor repairs and improvements that will make your home look fresher to buyers. Try things such as replacing the caulk and grout in your bathroom, updating old or rusted ceiling fans and light fixtures, and changing switch plates, doorknobs and other hardware for a clean and neat appearance. Consider painting your front door and trim even if your rooms don't need new paint.
Interview real estate agents
Your choice of a listing agent will make a big difference in how quickly your home sells and how much of a profit you'll realize. Get recommendations from friends and interview several listing agents to see which ones have the right experience with similar homes in your price range and area. A real estate agent with a great marketing plan and deep local knowledge is extremely important. Don't just go with the one who tells you they can sell for the highest price; choose someone who can present you with a detailed market analysis.
Research your market
If you plan to buy another home, an important decision to make is whether to sell your home first or make an offer on a new home before putting yours on the market. A knowledgeable real estate agent can help you evaluate how fast homes are selling in your market and help you estimate how long it will take you to find a home. This decision also depends on your financing, so you may want to consult with a lender to see how you can finance the transition from one home to another if you choose not to sell your home first.
If you spend the winter months preparing for spring, you'll find yourself ready to move fast when buyers come out of hibernation.