Summer is in full swing and thoughts of putting your home on the market may have breezed through your mind. Industry experts say summer is the ideal time to list your home because many families with children make their moves during this season and buyers are often more relaxed from taking their summer vacations. Those considering listing their homes should consult with a real estate sales professional and have a checklist ready – and that checklist is easy as 1, 2, 3.
First, a real estate sales professional will provide you with a sales marketing plan that includes a pricing strategy that takes into consideration competing homes, current inventory levels and time on market. That plan should also outline the online marketing approach and the initiatives you need to complete as a homeowner to ensure success.
Second, ensure that your home has optimal curb appeal – particularly during the hot summer months. Ensure that lawns are mowed, clutter is removed, trash bins are hidden from view, exterior paint is fresh and no roof tiles are missing. It is also important to make sure your driveway is free of cracks and oil stains. First impressions are important and potential buyers do judge a house by its exterior, so be sure to invest a little time and elbow grease to win over buyers before they even walk through your door.
The inside counts too. Cleanliness is king when it comes to showing your property to prospective buyers. Make sure to clean your windows inside and out, vacuum carpets, mop floors and clear all the dust that accumulates in exhaust fans and lighting fixtures. If deep cleaning is not your forte, you can hire a professional cleaning service to scrub down your home. This may cost a few hundred dollars, but it’s well worth it.
Equally important is to de-clutter as minimalist interiors tend to show best. Buyers walk in and try to imagine their ideal or actual furniture in various spaces. There is nothing worse for house hunters than walking into a cluttered space and being so overwhelmed with stuff that they decide against it on the spot. Be sure to minimize extra furniture and objects by renting a small storage space while you are in the process of showing your home. The small cost is worth the large return.
Third, comfort is key. During the summer months, the heat is on so be sure to have your air conditioning running at a comfortable temperature. If your home is not equipped with AC, then make sure the windows are open and fans are running in the extra warm spaces. It is also a good idea to ensure that shutters and blinds are drawn until just before the open house to help keep out the heat – and potential buyers in.
By Jamie Duran
Jamie Duran is president of Coldwell Banker Residential Mortgage for Orange, Riverside and San Diego Counties.
