Spring, the season of hope, is upon us and if you have been waiting to sell or are contemplating selling your home in the Ulster County area of the beautiful Hudson Valley, there are many reasons to be hopeful. Spring 2017 promises to be a fast moving market with strong demand and not enough homes coming to market. When demand outweighs supply, home sellers stand to profit.
But, savvy home sellers know they have work to do before putting their homes on the market. And, after this Winter, there may be more to do than usual. Let’s make a checklist and start planning before we list your home For Sale.
Curb Appeal Matters
Curb appeal is super important. Experienced brokers say that curb appeal is important because buyers often make a buying decision within 60 seconds of driving by the home (http://www.bankrate.com/finance/real-estate/tips-sell-home-this-spring-1.aspx). After this Winter, every home in Ulster County needs exterior cleanup.
Put yourself in a buyer’s shoes and take a critical look at your curb appeal. You may have the greatest interior, a magnificent lot and new siding but if the curb appeal does not jump out and say, “this house is well cared for,” you will not attract the buyers you want.
Put yourself in a buyer’s shoes and take a critical look at your curb appeal. You may have the greatest interior, a magnificent lot and new siding but if the curb appeal does not jump out and say, “this house is well cared for,” you will not attract the buyers you want.
- Trim your trees and bushes
- Mulch your beds
- Plant bright, happy flowers
- Check the condition of your hardscape
- Consider painting your front door
Pay attention to your backyard, where your new buyer will want to see where they will barbecue, enjoy cocktails or where the kids will play. When buyers see manicured flower beds with fresh flowers, their interest rises even before they see the home’s interior.
Windows, Carpets and Floors
Now that Spring is here, let the sunlight in. Clean your windows to add sparkle. Check your carpets and floors. If in doubt, spend a little to maximize your selling price. Now, check your drapes and ether clean them or discard them.
While you’re at it, imagine what a buyer will think when they look at your walls. A fresh coat of paint to rooms that need it can yield big returns.
Decluttering Adds Space
Every buyer wants to see and imagine how much storage space and closet space is in your home. This is one of the most important jobs home sellers face. It is hard work. You may have to rent storage space to make your home look as roomy as possible.
Make every closet look spacious by eliminating clutter and reducing your visible inventory. If you have a cedar closet, show it by eliminating over-packing. Decluttering can be a difficult undertaking but curb appeal and closet space can be real turn-ons or turn-offs. The choice is yours.
Prepare for the Pre-Inspection
Every buyer in Ulster County will require a pre-inspection by a licensed home inspector. The best time to reduce the risk of a failed contract, which costs you time and money, is before you list the home.
Consider retaining a home inspector of your own. This will ensure you have no surprises. If the inspector identifies potential problems, deal with the repairs now, before you list your home and before you go to contract.
Price it Right
Before you put your home on the market, let the experienced residential team at Murphy Realty Group, compile a Comparative Market Analysis (CMA) to help list your home at the best price. Over-priced homes will not sell, even in a seller’s market. Over-priced homes stay on the market and end up selling for less than market value.
Murphy Realty Group knows home values in Ulster County and in the Hudson Valley. We want our sellers to have a positive selling experience and we can help. Take a deep breath and give us a call. Your selling concerns are over!
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