It’s Selling Season, Are You Ready?

Selling season is here! If you’re looking for the most buyers possible, spring is a great time to list your home. And while it’s a myth that the best time to sell your house is in the spring and summer, the truth is that it’s still a great time to sell.

Things To Consider When Selling Your Home

Is your home ready to sell?

Consider how much time and effort it will take to prepare your home to list. If your goal is to sell fast, focusing on minor repairs and cosmetic updates with short, predictable timelines might be better. If you’re not in a hurry, choosing the right remodeling project can be a great way to add value to your home and maximize your sale.

One option is to list your home and adjust the price to reflect its condition. If repairs are needed, deduct the costs from your net proceeds and allow the new owners to make the necessary repairs. 

Is the local housing market working in your favor?

Apart from seasonal trends, there are other market forces at work. You’ll often hear the real estate market described as either a “buyer’s market” or a “seller’s market,” depending on how competitive it is to buy versus sell.

It’s important to have a competent REALTOR® who understands the market conditions where you sell and buy a home. For example, how fast are home prices appreciating in your neighborhood? How does that price growth compare to where you want to buy? Are homes selling quickly? Or has inventory started piling up with slower sales? All these questions and more will affect your selling experience. 

Can you afford to sell your home?

Most homeowners only build enough equity in their homes to offset buying, closing, and moving costs once they’ve been in their homes for around five years. From agent fees to home improvements to unexpected concessions, the total cost of selling a home can add up to ten percent of the sale price. If you need more clarification on what it will cost to sell your home or someone to help you devise a plan to have you ready to sell eventually, Living Houston can help. 

How To Maximize Selling Season

The market starts to heat up in February because lots of buyers prefer to move in the spring and summer. Families with school-age children like to buy and move during summer vacation, allowing them to enter their new homes before the school year begins. In the late summer, the market starts to slow down. And November and December are traditionally slow, although some astute buyers look for bargains during this period. While a time of year may work more in your favor for a quick sale, with the right REALTOR® anytime can be selling season. 

Spring Selling Tips

• Whip your yard into shape. When selling in the spring, you must get your yard in shape. Clear debris from winter out of your yard, and get frost-resistant plants that won’t be hit too hard by a late cold spell. Or, invest in flowers for a touch of color and whimsy that will catch people’s eyes.
• Do some spring cleaning. Wanting to spruce up your space in the spring comes naturally, so get organized, pare down, and donate. Remove clutter and stage your home. A sparkling house will impress buyers and make your home more appealing.
• Box up your winter wardrobe. Winter clothes that are bulky can take up lots of space; if you move them out as you de-clutter your closets, buyers will be impressed with all that space.
• Spruce up the entryway. Pick up a new doormat if yours is covered with winter grime. A clean, pretty doorway will help set the tone for the entire showing.
• Be Fragrance-Free. Most people want to fill their homes with scented candles and diffusers, but the quickest way to sell your home is to have no scent.
• Create a Neutral Pallete. Pull out crisp linens and coverlets. Refrain from overloading sofas with decorative pillows and blankets. Think blank slate so that others can picture their style in the space.

Summer Selling Tips

• Highlight your outdoor areas. This is your outdoor space’s chance to shine. Clean your deck, porch, patio, or outdoor kitchen, and repaint or make repairs if necessary. No deck? Arrange chairs or outdoor furniture in your yard to create the illusion of an outdoor room. Make essential repairs to your home’s exterior, including siding and windows.
• Play up the pool. A pool is a huge selling point during the sweltering days of summer. Keep yours clean and debris-free, and create a seating area near the pool where buyers can imagine themselves floating along.
• Spruce up your landscaping. Add pops of color to your entryway with potted plants. Ensure your lawn and flower beds are staying strong in the summer heat.
• Add value and security with lighting. Frame your walkways and driveways with lights for an impressive touch.
• Don’t skimp on the air conditioning. House hunters will want to escape the heat, so ensure your home is nice and cool.
• Provide refreshments. Even though you likely won’t be home for a showing, leave cold water bottles for prospective buyers. Anything you can do to make them linger a little longer can only help you sell.

Last But Not Least

Living Houston would love to consult with you on your real estate needs. If you want your selling experience to be as stress-free as possible, hire An Exceptional REALTOR®. We look forward to working with you.