Are you considering selling your home in Waltham in the next six months? If so, the time is now to get it ready for the spring market. Spring market is a term used by real estate professionals for that time of the year that is especially busy when it comes to buying and selling houses. The spring markets for the last few years have been especially robust, so it is more important than ever to make sure your home stands out among all the others. Here are a few tips to help separate your home from the rest.
• Spring cleaning – This is the perfect time to get rid of clutter and really do a deep dive on getting your home sparkling. It is so vital to show potential buyers a home that is well taken care of and getting rid of extra junk will also accentuate the potential of space.
• Minor repairs – Take a walk around your home with a clipboard and make sure everything works. From changing burnt out bulbs to tightening up leaky faucets to everything in between. There is nothing worse than a potential buyer not seeing a room because the lights won’t go on.
• Get out the paint – How do your walls look? Do they need a little touch up? What is your existing color scheme? If it’s somewhat bold or a little out of the norm, you may want to consider a different color. Neutral tones are best as they do not distract from the rest of the home.
• Organize your paperwork – Make sure you have all your manufacturer’s warranties and operating manuals in one place. This includes anything from your furnace to your dishwasher. Basically, anything that is going to stay with the house.
• Less is more – In your kitchen, make sure to have a minimum number of appliances on your counters. Get rid of all and any of your tchotchkes and other knickknacks. You really want to emphasize the counter space. Make sure your ovens and ranges shine! Do the same in your bathrooms; curling irons, shavers, and blow dryers should be stowed away. As with the kitchen, your bathrooms should be immaculately clean.
• Bedrooms and living spaces need to look livable, not lived in – In the living room and other common spaces, get rid of clutter and make sure there’s good flow and that the furniture is arranged to emphasize maximum space. Remove family pictures and knickknacks. It is so vital that the buyers don’t feel like they are invading someone else’s home. In the bedrooms, make sure beds are made and closets are spacious and organized.
• Make a grand entrance! First impressions do count. Make sure your yard is sharp and tidy. If there is still snow on the ground, ensure driveways and walking paths are cleared. If the climate has improved, ensure lawns are trimmed and think about planting a few flowers for color. Porches should be cleared of debris and swept. Make sure entry way is warm and inviting and welcoming!
• Finally, and most importantly, find an established Waltham area Realtor. A Realtor is held to higher standards than real estate agent. You want a Realtor who is intimately familiar with Waltham and has a record of success.
