Fresh tips help make homes appeal to springtime buyers
Seventy-five percent of Americans believe that now is a good time to buy a house, according to a recent report from the National Association of Realtors. That’s great news for people hoping to sell their homes this spring.
Seasonal patterns can differ somewhat depending on climate and where you are in the country, but generally speaking, spring is the busiest season for home buying and selling. The weather is pleasant, days are longer, and curb appeal is at its peak, making this an ideal homeshopping season.
However, one disadvantage for sellers in some markets is housing inventory — it tends to skyrocket in the spring. So how can you make your home stand out among all the others? Here are some tips from the Arkansas Realtors Association to help you sell your home for the best price this season.
Seasonal patterns can differ somewhat depending on climate and where you are in the country, but generally speaking, spring is the busiest season for home buying and selling.”
• Clean, clean, and clean some more.
It may sound like a cliche, but make sure your home is “spring clean” throughout the selling process. When potential homebuyers walk inside, they should see a well-organized, sparkling-clean house.
If you can do nothing else, keep the floors and windows scrubbed clean, take out the trash and recycling frequently, and keep any clutter stored and out of the way.
• Bring fresh flowers indoors.
Springtime brings fresh flowers, which, when brought inside, can be used as lowcost decor and fragrance. Many people prefer natural to artificial scents, making this a perfect staging technique for open houses.
Just be aware that some buyers may have allergies, so avoid flowers with high pollen counts such as daisies, chrysanthemums or sunflowers.
• Improve your curb appeal.
How your home looks when buyers walk up to it can be just as important as how it looks when they walk into it. It is important to make sure your home’s exterior is kept clean and well maintained throughout the season.
At the very least, keep the grass trimmed by mowing regularly, make sure your shrubs and flower beds are well tended, and scrub or paint over any stains or chipped paint on your home’s exterior.
• Let the light in.
Take advantage of the longer, warmer days by opening up your windows and brightening up your home. Keep the blinds open and the curtains pulled back to let in as much natural light as possible.
If a room doesn’t receive much sunlight, a well-placed mirror can help capture and reflect light from other rooms to brighten a space.
By following a few tips and making a couple of simple improvements, you can make your home more appealing to buyers and, hopefully, help sell it quickly this spring.
If you are interested in selling or buying a home, contact the ARA or visit www.
realtor.com to search for a Realtor near you.