The Spring Market - Last Call!
We cannot believe that we are already heading into June! While these rainy days don't exactly make us feel like we should be heading into Summer weather, we know it's coming soon!
That also means that we are heading into the end of the Spring Market for this year. The summer market can be just as hot as the weather, but we know the Spring is a great time to sell if you are looking to do it. If you are still considering getting your home on the market before it's officially "Summer", here are some of the best ways to get your home ready.
Clean, clean, clean - We all have heard of Spring cleaning, whether your parents did it or you've paid attention to marketing this time of year. If you have never participated in a thorough Spring clean out, consider it this year. Some things that will really make your home sparkle will be some deep cleaning. Here are some things that you may not think of normally, and buyers will notice as they're going through your home:
Air vents - soak registers and vacuum out air vents. Buyers will notice mustiness or smells you may not notice. Plus, if you have never cleaned these out, you will be shocked at the dust and how dirty they are. You will want to breathe in that fresh air!
Greasy cabinets - Have you noticed that in certain lights your cabinets or appliances look like there's grease stains or weird smudges? If you spend a lot of time in the kitchen, it's likely that residue is being left behind, even if you try to wipe things down after you cook. Here's a source for a few options to make those cabinets look like new.
Dirty windows and window tracks - Buyers always take a look at windows, especially once they get to the inspection process. If you have old or rotten windows, consider replacing. If they're still in good shape, a good wipe down and cleaning out the tracks will help make your home look well maintained and more appealing.
Discolored grout - We have had many a buyer notice dirty grout in bathrooms in showers or between tiles. If there are stark differences in coloring of the grout from wear and tear or if it all is yellowed, take the time to give it a good cleaning, or even consider redoing. Trust us, you will be glad you did it even if you aren't selling.
Exterior Appearance - the snow is finally gone and the muddiness of Spring is upon us. While it can be difficult to do all the landscaping and upkeep you may do during the summer for the exterior of your home, here are some things that will help make your home appear welcoming.
Cool hearty plants and flowers - Find some hearty plants that still prefer the cooler weather! If you go to a local Home Depot or gardening center they can help you find some planters that will survive the bits of cold we in May. For example, Pansy's and Yellow Trillium are examples of flowers that like the Spring weather. This will brighten up your curb appeal significantly.
Spring wreath for your door - Have you been to target recently and seen they are are selling spring like wreaths? Wreaths are not just for the holiday and winter seasons! Trade out your winter one and go find a pretty green or one with flowers to put on your front door. And yes, the fake flowers are just fine and will not need maintaining. This link will bring you to a spring wreath Pinterest search that will inspire you to get a wreath for your home and all your friends.
Fresh paint on the door - Before you put up that wreath, think about giving your front door a fresh coat of paint. It is extremely normal and expected that doors will start to look dirty or bumped over time. Giving them a fresh coat of paint will instantly clean up your front entrance.
Donate - When is the last time you went through your storage bins or through your closets? If you are thinking of selling, you may want to go through some of this before getting your home on the market to help lessen your load for your move, and to help organize your home for staging. Here are some things to think about donating
Clothing - This is a gimme, but half empty closets help significantly if you are looking to sell. Go through your clothing and find some things that you didn't wear during the winter months that you've had forever and donate them to someone that may wear them.
Kitchen items - Do you have old dish sets or glasses that haven't been touched in ages? Make room in your cabinets and give them away. That way you have more cabinet space to clear your counters and make you feel more organized. This goes for food items too - go through your canned goods that are still good that you won't use to give to a food shelf, or throw out expired products.
Sheets, linens, towels, etc. - We personally know that it can be easy to hold onto older items like this for "just in case" scenarios. You have company from out of town, need a rag for something, and so on. However, how often do you really use these items and are they in a condition where you actually want guests to use them? If you have too many, donate them as well and again, clear out those storage areas for other items in your home.