If you’re thinking of selling your home this spring, don’t wait to get it ready. Inventory has been historically low, but signs of spring activity are beginning to give frustrated buyers hope! The low inventory has been driving up demand and setting the real estate market up for a very busy spring. Don’t be fooled into thinking the winter lull will last forever and that inventory will stay low forever.
Here are 6 Tips for Getting Your Home Ready for the Spring and Early Summer Market:
1. Paint Rooms
Painting is one of the most cost-effective and efficient ways to refresh the look of your home. A new coat of paint can instantly brighten up walls and give your space a fresh, like-new appearance. Add a pop of color to liven up dull rooms, or go with neutral tones for a modern, timeless feel. Painting can also make rooms feel more spacious and offers one of the highest returns on investment when it comes to home improvement projects.
2. Curb Appeal
Curb appeal is just as important in the warmer months as it is year-round. In spring and early summer, a tidy exterior can make a strong first impression on potential buyers. Keep bushes trimmed, walkways clear, and lawns freshly mowed. Remove any dead leaves, branches, or weeds to keep the yard looking its best. A well-maintained yard sends a message that the inside of the home is just as well cared for. Even simple touches like fresh mulch or a few blooming flowers can add charm and make the property feel more inviting.
3. Make Small Fixes
When buyers walk through your home, even small issues—like a leaky faucet or a loose railing—can make it seem like the entire property hasn’t been well maintained. That’s why it’s essential to take care of those minor repairs you’ve been meaning to tackle. Replace any missing tiles, fix ripped screens, and patch up holes or cracks in the walls. Swap out cracked windowpanes and damaged moldings. These fixes are typically low-cost but can make a big difference in how buyers perceive the overall condition of your home.
4. Brighten Up!
One affordable yet impactful way to enhance your home’s appeal is by making it feel brighter and more open. Buyers are naturally drawn to light-filled, welcoming spaces rather than those that feel dim or confined. Keep curtains and blinds open to let in as much natural light as possible, and retract any awnings that may block sunlight. Swap out low-wattage bulbs for brighter ones, and consider updating outdated light fixtures to modern, more luminous options. Even something as simple as placing a lamp in a dark corner can make a room feel larger and more inviting.
5. De-Clutter
The less cluttered your home is, the more spacious it will feel. Since getting potential buyers through the door is already a major step, make sure they aren’t turned off by a space overflowing with items that could easily be tucked away. Decluttering doesn’t mean removing everything—it means organizing and scaling back. Most rooms tend to have too much furniture, so remove at least one piece to open things up, and consider pulling furniture away from the walls. Buyers should be able to move through the home without dodging ottomans or end tables.
Dwindle the number of books on shelves, and clear off tables by removing decorative items like vases, statues, or clocks. Don’t forget to depersonalize, too. Buyers want to picture themselves living in the space, which is harder to do with family photos on the walls or postcards on the fridge.
6. Clean Like You’ve Never Cleaned Before
A thorough cleaning is one of the most important steps in preparing your home for the market. Plan to spend more than just an afternoon—set aside a few days to deep clean every room from top to bottom. Focus especially on the kitchen and bathrooms; they should be spotless!
Don’t forget the details that make a big impact. Clean the windows to let in more natural light and instantly freshen up the space. Wash curtain sheers, shampoo rugs, and make all the beds. Dust shelves, polish surfaces, and ensure that counters, sinks, tubs, and appliances shine. Even small touches, like wiping down switch plates, can make a difference.
A bright, meticulously clean home not only feels more inviting but also leaves a lasting impression on potential buyers.