Spring Selling

As winter gives way to spring, thousands of Triangle area residents are putting their homes on the market and getting ready to move. If you’re one of them, be smart and prepare. To sell your home quickly and receive the best offer possible, you must be strategic in making enhancements.

You’ll need to start with the basics such as making home repairs, decluttering rooms and brightening up your space. Included in this article are some great basic tips that can help you get your house into tip-top shape!

This is the Spring installment of a continuing series: “Seasons of Change: Preparing Your Home for Sale in Each Season.” For previous articles

published in this series, click here.

Attract Buyers

First things first – curb appeal is critical. Present a neatly landscaped yard to create a positive first impression for buyers. Put away all items such as lawn equipment, toys and collapsible chairs. Mow and edge the lawn, trim shrubs (especially near windows) and pull weeds. Take advantage of spring by planting some colorful flowers.

Inspire Buyers

Nobody wants to buy a dark, dingy house. Inspire the buyer by lightening and brightening. Open the blinds and let sunshine pour into the house. Replace heavy window treatments with lighter ones. Wash the windows. Another simple but effective strategy is to apply a fresh coat of a neutral color paint to the walls.

Relieve Buyer Stress

For the buyers, a new house is about fresh possibility. Help them imagine a wonderful space of their own by decluttering and organizing. Relieve any feeling of stress by eliminating unnecessary items, especially those in view on coffee tables, bureaus, counters and bookcases. Also make sure that closets are no more than 50 to 75 percent full. Host a yard sale or give unwanted items to a local charity or thrift shop. Items you keep must have a home – assign each item to a place such as a basket or drawer. Keep in mind that, while treasured to you, your personal items are usually a distraction for buyers.

Reassure Buyers

Homebuyers need assurance that your home is in good repair. If anything is broken – whether major or minor – get it fixed. This is crucial for receiving the best possible offer on your home.

Prepare for Buyers

Break out the Windex and Lemon Pledge, because it’s time for a deep spring cleaning! Pay special attention to the kitchen and bathrooms. Cleaning is not just about appearance – it also improves air quality, dramatically changes air scent and keeps your home materials such as woods and metals in top condition.

For some additional insider tips on home staging, two locally-owned family businesses below have donated some great advice on furniture set-up and conditioning, as well as carpet choices.

Let it Flow

Facilitating good traffic flow by carefully placing furniture is an art. Chris Kirk of Kirk Imports Furniture in Raleigh recommends that home sellers first replace furniture worn by kids, pets, or simply prolonged use. Replace a hodgepodge assortment with a few well-chosen, bold pieces. Kirk Imports Furniture specializes in these larger pieces, whether you need a complete set or an accent piece. Arrange furniture so that rooms feel as spacious and comfortable as possible.

Roll out the Red Carpet

Well, maybe not red, but do make sure your carpet is in good condition. According to Betty Eatman of Eatmans Carpet & Interiors in Raleigh, if your carpet has stains that will not come out, it may be necessary to replace it. Choose a light neutral color with little pattern. This makes the rooms appear larger and gives a clean new look.

If you’re not able to replace your dirty-looking carpet, clean it using a professional certified carpet cleaner.

For those with hardwood floors, throw down some area rugs to show buyers what size is appropriate. It also warms the room and gives color.

Research has shown that by creating and implementing a ‘big picture’ strategy for home preparation, your home will sell much more quickly and you’ll get higher offers.  Here’s to a great selling experience this Spring!

Jenny Fredette is a Freelance Writer