Its Spring and the main selling season in Real Estate that makes everyone scramble to be #1 to potential buyers – Fast. So what are we doing specifically to make our great homes shine out over the competition in a very very competitive marketplace? We are not going to talk about price because you had better be priced right and with the great appraisals we have been getting that number keeps going up. We are not going to talk about upgrades because everyone that wants to sell a house today at a retail price needs to be updated and fresh. We are also not going to talk about marketing because you better have the best pictures taken and listed on the multiple listing service along with every other great listing. We are going to talk about a few things we can each do this spring to make you stand out. Little tips and suggestions that seem to leave an impression to each buyer that visits your house and ways to stay on the top of their short list to capture their offer.
Landscaping – It can be the ugliest time in a yard right now and many things cant be avoided, like dormant plants and flowers but you can make it look fresh and maintained. Put down a fresh layer of mulch and clear out all the hoo ha debris like dead leaves and also cut back plants that look bad. You may even run by Lowes and get a tray of colorful flowers to plant in the mulch to give it some pizazz.
Repairs – Rotted wood, jabberwocky gutters and downspouts, broken screen doors, damaged mailbox’s, worn out doorbell buttons and all the little things that can distract a buyer from the great house should be fixed. Spend a morning propping the mailbox back up or switching out the doorbell button that has the center missing and really make sure there is no wood rot looking bad after a long winter. Replacing boards and painting them is a breeze but be warned to use the same wood type as you are removing to avoid leaving an odd space on the house. I like to ask a neighbor to stand in front of the property to identify any of these items that you may have become complacent on and make a list.
Deep Clean – We have been stuck inside of our homes for this awful winter and it takes a toll on the house we live in. Spend some extra time cleaning things like the tv and components so they do not have smudges or dust on them. Take the time to wash cabinets, detail the fridge and really get those bathrooms sparkling. When showing a house to someone these things stand out each and every time and can be a turn off to a buyer. If you need examples, ask your agent to take you through a home that is properly cleaned or hire the right person to get this done, but the last thing you need is someone visiting your house with it being stale from the winter funk.
Ok so its spring and time to get those homes on the market but you don’t want to go at it with half effort. Take some time, ask for suggestions and really think about the people that will be visiting your house as potential buyers. The old saying about first impressions could not be more true then in the real estate business and this is your one shot to make it a splash. Good luck!
Curt has been in the Indianapolis Real Estate business for over 10 years and spent his first years learning all aspects of commercial management and brokerage. He has had great success in managing existing commercial projects and new retail and office developments. Curt specializes in building owner representation and purchases in the Westfield Indiana market as well throughout the Indianapolis Metro area. Curt is passionate about growing the local Westfield community and in his free time volunteers with Westfield Youth Assistance and raising 2 children with his wife Jennifer.
