Tax refunds equal new buyers and more money

By Matt Trudel

It is the season of taxes and many people are getting refunds and will now have enough money to put down on their new home. That means there will be more buyers in an already hot market.  More buyers translate to less inventory, and less inventory works in a seller’s favor.  So, what does this all mean for the spring market?  It means that if your thinking about selling it is time get ready and get your house listed sooner rather than later. Here are a few tips for everyone.

Pricing your home is number one, and this includes picking an experienced broker to work with who has the knowledge and experience regarding area home values. 

I have written numerous articles on this subject alone. Pricing a home too high will virtually eliminate almost all buyers and is the number one reason houses do not get shown and do not sell. In this market your house should not be on the market for more than 30 days, tops.

Cleanliness is another important factor when preparing to sell your house. This includes getting rid of all the clutter, especially all those photos on the fridge and knick-knacks on the shelf.  Pack those up along with the extra clothes and pots and pans. Box it up, you are going to need to do that anyway since you will potentially be moving in 30 to 60 days. Doing so will allow closets, cupboards, and pantries to look much more spacious and appealing.

Repairs on the inside and on the outside should be addressed before listing your house. The outlet or light that is not working needs to be fixed. The trim around the front door might need to be replaced. It is all the little maintenance items that we tend to overlook and just live with. Make that to do list and get it done.

Curb appeal and first appearances are very important. The easiest way to determine what your house might need is to ask a couple of friends what they would do or change to make your house look better. It’s too early to get the flower gardens going, but you can buy fresh cut flowers for the kitchen table for showings. Having a welcome to our home note for potential buyers is often a good idea. The fresh baked cookies idea is an old one, but it has been proven to help make new buyers feel at home.

Last one, turn the lights on and the heat up for every single showing. You don’t want buyers cold as they are walking through. You also don’t want them searching for light switches and struggling to figure out where the switch is that turns on the vanity light. Showings need to be a pleasant experience for buyers, and that will lead to more money in your pocket. 

Thinking of selling and want to discuss more about pricing and marketing ideas, then reach out to a local Realtor® who has plenty of experience and ask for a free market analysis.  

This article was written by Matt Trudel, Owner Five Star Realty, Windham 207-939-6971.