7 Things You Must Do Now To Sell This Spring
Even though selling in the winter months has certain advantages (low inventory etc), many people don’t have the time or energy to sell until the holidays are long gone and the ground begins to thaw.
It may be hard to believe now, but spring will eventually arrive and if you are like the many others planning to sell this coming spring, you might have already started feeling the pressure.
Most homeowners don’t exactly know where to turn or what to do to begin prepping their home. While waiting for the spring season to arrive it is imperative that you get a jump start on the many interior enhancements projects that will make your home stand out from the competition. By doing the following, it will free up your time (and mind!) to begin the exterior when the weather is more cooperative.
Below are 7 things you must do now to sell your home this spring.
Toss/ Donate Clutter
Never underestimate the power of de cluttering. Buyers swoon at clean, organized and clutter free homes. It may seem like a never ending and daunting task but it will be so worth it in the end.
It is difficult enough to prepare the home for showings etc. and even more difficult is waiting until the last minute to sort through the non essential items. Tackling this project now will save you from the stress later.
And while you’re at it…
Start Packing
Sounds crazy? Actually, I have had many sellers thank me when I recommended that they began packing asap. It not only relieves the stress and pressure when the time comes to actually move but it also clears up a lot of the space in the home making everything appear more spacious and inviting.
Buyers think nothing of seeing boxes or totes when touring a home but if you feel that there’s just too many, you might want to consider renting a small storage unit. The end result will pay off.
Improvements
Might as well take advantage of all your time spent indoors during the winter and begin tackling the many little home improvement projects now. Start a checklist of things you need to get done and begin immediately. Even simply painting a room can make a world of difference when selling. Check out this link that outlines what buyer turn- offs to avoid.
Also, If you are looking to hire a professional, you’re in luck as the winter is typically slower for contractors or handymen which will make it easier for you to book them.
If there is anything that you find that you cannot afford to fix before selling (example knob and tube wiring,etc) it is recommended to have a quote from a licensed professional on hand to provide the buyer with an accurate estimate. This will prevent any headaches after home inspections or risk of losing the buyer.
Interior Deep Cleaning
Because deep cleaning can seem overwhelming, most sellers skip this crucial step. A well kept and sparkling clean home can make even an outdated property seem to have endless potential.
A good deep cleaning will help achieve your homes best appearance. As you are packing and de cluttering make a point to set aside a few days per week during the next few months to tackle cleaning that you would normally pass by.
Here are a few things to get you started:
- Degreasing tops of kitchen cabinets and exhaust fans where cooking grease tends to linger and exhaust
- Dust woodwork along the base of of each rooms (baseboards)
- Clean grimy light switches
- Deep clean oven
- Deep clean fridge then line shelves with parchment paper to keep future messes easier to clean
- Polish interior doors
- Dust all ceiling fans
- Clean out basement
Gather warranties/ paperwork
Buyers love sellers that are well prepared and have their documents in hand. Being able to provide any paperwork regarding improvements or transferable warranties on appliances, roofing work etc. will show them that you take great attention to detail.
This will for certain, keep you one step ahead of the game with the competing homes for sale.
Check or replace Fire Alarms and Carbon Detectors
By Law, you must provide the buyer a Fire compliance certificate at closing. This means, the fire department will need to visit your home and complete a fire inspection check typically 4 weeks before closing.
The town charges a fee to do this and if your home fails the fire inspection the first time, you will have to pay another fee for them to re-inspect. The Laws are always changing so if you bought your home before 2009 (even if it was a newly built home), your detectors may not be in the correct location or the right type.
Many people are aware that they need a carbon monoxide detector in every floor of the home but the actual location and type of smoke detectors (photo electric or ionized) needed can confuse even the most educated home owner.
Here is a link to the Massachusetts Fire and Carbon Requirements for a single or 2 family home
First things first:
- Inspect the date of your fire/carbon detectors. If they are older than 8-9 years its time to toss them.
- Be certain to have 1 carbon detector on each floor AND if your bedroom hallways have more than 10 feet in between you should have 2 detectors on that floor.
- Check the batteries in all detectors to make certain they are working correctly.
- Basements need to have a Carbon Detector and a Combo Photo Electric and Ionized Fire Alarm. You can double check this by simply looking on the back of the alarm. If you need to purchase a new alarm, be certain they read Photoelectric and Ionized on the package
- Kitchens and second levels should also have carbon monoxide detectors and Photoelectric Fire Alarms
Make copies of keys
Head to your local hardware store to make a few copies of keys for your broker to have easy access to your home. By doing this ahead of time will help correct any issues if the duplicate key doesn’t work right. There’s nothing worse than your broker not being able to unlock the door before a showing.
