How can you prepare you home if you want to sell next spring?

Many people start thinking now about listing their homes next spring. Although most know that decluttering is important, even if it’s just because it’s doesn’t make sense to move what you will then throw out or not have room for at the new location, they don’t always think ahead about prepping their home in other ways.

One question often asked is about new kitchens and bathrooms. Unless you can judge the taste of what buyers might want, it isn’t wise to spend a lot of money that way. It does pay, however, to spruce up what you have, and that includes the exterior. Since it’s a buyer’s first impression, it’s particularly likely to pay off, if done well.

Even things as simple as painting the front door can enhance a home’s curb appeal. Trimming bushes, removing dead branches and trees and checking for peeling paint on window sills all make sense when trying to impress a viewer.

Even though leaves will fall between now and November, there are still things that make sense to do before winter sets in. If you plan to plant anything, or landscape what you have, you have a window now, that will close with the frost and frozen ground of December.

We tell sellers to have their homes ready by the end of January, since the early part of spring is sometimes very busy, without enough inventory. That means that outside work, including painting and driveway or walkway repairs, needs to get done sooner than later.

When you factor in getting estimates and prep work, you really should get going right away. You would be wise to leave some extra time for weatherrelated delays, or problems with delivery of materials.

Of course, one job can always lead to another, and that will require a sooner start. And, after all, what’s the harm in getting done a little early, so that you can enjoy the fruits of your labors?

Barbara Pearce, President & CEO, Pearce Real Estate, (203) 281-9340, blp@hpearce.com