Winter is still rearing it’s ugly head here in lower Fairfield County, but patches of green are starting to peek through.  As the weather warms up so is the housing market.  Spring is one of the busiest times of year  for real estate, and homeowners planning to put their homes up for sale shouldn’t wait for the flowers to bloom.   If you’re thinking of selling, here are some tips that you can use to prepare your home to sell this spring:

Improve Curb Appeal

If potential buyers are turned off by the outside condition of your home, there’s only a slim chance they’ll be interested in looking inside.  Do a semi-spring clean up by picking up fallen tree limbs and getting rid of last fall’s leaves that may have found their way back onto your lawn. Trim back bushes and branches so the house can be seen and brighten up the yard with some colorful flowers or planter boxes.  Adding window boxes or front door flower containers is easy, looks fresh and can provide an uplifting ambiance as you walk past them into your home. You might also consider pressure washing the driveway, sidewalk, and patio. If you really want to go all out consider a fresh coat of exterior paint to give your home an instant facelift, (but wait until the weather dries out a bit or the paint won’t adhere).  Just make sure the color pairs well with the rest of the exterior.  Finally, repair anything that’s showing wear and tear.  Remember, the outside of your home is the first impression – you should do your best to make it a great one! 

 

Start Packing

Before you even get an offer? Yes!  This isn’t as crazy as it sounds.  Potential buyers want to see the space they may be buying, which means you need to pack away your excess furniture and clutter to show a room’s full potential.  You’ll also want to box up your winter wardrobe. Bulky winter clothes take up lots of space, so move them out as you de-clutter your closets. You’ll impress buyers with all that room.

 

Clean Your Drapes, Blinds, and Carpets & Infuse Spring Scents into Your Home 

Send your drapes or curtains to the dry cleaners or wash them in your own washing machine if possible. Toss blinds into a soapy bathtub for a quick wash.  If you have a pet, you’ll want to clean your carpets to remove any odor or stains.  Spring is not only a colorful season, but a fragrant one, too. Bring the aroma indoors. Scents have a profound effect on mood, so infusing scent into your decor with diffusers, candles, or fresh cut plants/flowers can change the overall feeling of a space. Just be careful not to go overboard and be mindful that people have allergies this time of year so a little can go a long way.

 

Accessorize with Pillows, Towels, and Throws  

Consider spring colors – yellows, pinks, lavenders, or pale blues. These items are inexpensive accents that can do a lot to spruce up the interior of your home. Soft spring colors will light up any room.  Tuck away the heavy, winter flannel comforter and pull out crisp linens with coverlets for color.

 

Make the House Sparkle!

An old fashioned “spring cleaning” can go a long way!

• Wash windows inside and out
• Clean out cobwebs. Re-caulk tubs, showers and sinks.
• Polish chrome faucets and mirrors.
• Clean out the refrigerator.
• Vacuum daily.
• Wax floors.
• Dust furniture, ceiling fan blades and light fixtures.
• Bleach dingy grout.
• Replace worn rugs, If your welcome mat is covered with winter dirt, pick up a new one. A clean, pretty doorway will help set the tone for the entire showing.

If you are thinking of selling your home or need more advice on how to prepare your home for sale, please contact me today!