Summer will soon be here, marking the beginning of the busiest season in real estate. If you’re planning to sell your home, now is the ideal time to start prepping it for the market. The right preparations can significantly enhance your home’s appeal to prospective buyers.
As summer approaches, it is also important to understand how the seasonal trends in real estate can impact your home’s sale. Typically, more families look to move during the summer months to avoid disrupting their children’s school year. This increased demand can lead to higher prices and quicker sales, making it a prime time to attract buyers.
While the influx of new constructions presents challenges, it also creates opportunities for sellers of established homes. Many buyers are beginning to realize the benefits of purchasing a home with character and history, especially in desirable neighborhoods that newer developments cannot replicate. Highlighting the unique aspects of your home can attract those looking for something special.
Consider sharing stories about your home’s journey. Highlight personal touches that have been added over the years which can resonate with potential buyers. Perhaps you’ve hosted family gatherings that made the space come alive, or you’ve carefully curated the garden to reflect the beauty of the changing seasons. These narratives can add depth to your listing and engage potential buyers emotionally.
To keep potential buyers interested, staying updated with current trends in home design and renovations is essential. For instance, open floor plans, energy-efficient appliances, and smart home features are increasingly appealing. Incorporating these elements into your preparations can set your home apart in a crowded market.
In the past year, new construction has surged, creating substantial competition for established homes. So, how do you compete effectively in this evolving market? First, avoid referring to your home simply as an “older home.” Instead, market it as an “established home” in a mature, well-located, and stable neighborhood. This framing can shift perceptions and draw in more interested buyers.
Here are a few other ways to position your home to compete:
To further enhance your competitive edge, consider these strategies to position your home attractively in the market:
- Update the Kitchen and Bathrooms
Simply updating the hardware in these rooms can give it a fresh look. Wood cabinets with a dated finish can be re-painted, rather than replaced. Consider neutral colors like white and pale grey. - Paint the High Traffic Areas
A fresh coat of paint in the kitchen, family room and entry can give a house new life, especially if the current colors aren’t neutrals. - Showcase the Functionality of the Space
If you’ve lived in the home for a while you may have remodeled areas or arranged appliances and furniture in a way that maximizes the features of the home. If you’re not sure that you have, consult with a home stager. These professionals know what buyers are looking for and will recommend furniture placement to showcase your homes best features. - Highlight Technology
If you’ve updated outlets to include USB ports, have an internet hub, or have great cellular coverage, make sure buyers know! Since many people no longer have a landline, showcasing the fact that your home has “five bars of signal in every room!” is a feature that will appeal to many buyers. - Curb Appeal
One of the great things about older homes is that the landscaping is mature. Trim your trees and hedges, make sure your flower beds are weeded and have mulch, pine straw or other finishing elements and then let potential buyers know how easy it is to maintain the yard. New construction can’t compete with lush landscaping of a well maintained home. - Take Care of Wood Rot
The last few winters have been very rainy which means wood decks, door frames and windowsills may have some rot. Replace any areas with rot and fresh coat of paint or varnish. - Paint or Pressure Wash the Exterior
As long as we’re talking about curb appeal, pressure washing the home before you list it is key. The house will look well cared for and better show case landscaping. If it’s been more than ten years, you should consider repainting the home. - Location, Location, Location!
Are you in a great school district? Is your neighborhood convenient to a major destination or transportation hub? Shout it from the roof tops! A lot of new construction is located away from the center of the city, so take advantage of the conveniences around you.