As a realtor with The Zimmern Team, we often encounter homeowners who intend to list their properties at the end of spring or the start of summer but tend to delay their preparations or feel uncertain about the process. In life, it’s generally wise not to wait until the last minute. Procrastination can lead to unnecessary stress, rushed decisions, and missed opportunities. Well, real estate is no different. Here are some helpful tips for preparing your home to list ahead of time and a few ideas leading up to listing your home.
1) Find a great real estate agent. That’s where The Zimmern Team at Levin Rinke Realty come in. The Zimmern Team has been empowering people and building community for 27 years.
2) CURB APPEAL. According to an article by Bankrate, in a 2018 research by Alex X. Niemiera, a horticulturist at Virginia Tech, found that a well-landscaped home had a 5.5 percent to 12.7 percent price advantage over a home with no landscaping. This is a very economical way to spruce up curb appeal at a low cost while giving you an increase in return on your listing. I mean if the outside of your home looks like Sanford and Son, or the Fresh Prince of Belair, which do you think will receive more showings?
3) DECLUTTER, DECLUTTER, DECLUTTER. If you don’t throw some things out due to sentimental reasons, like your trophies from high school, box them up and set aside in the attic. No one wants to see your pet dust bunnies. These are notorious and seem to hang out under your bed, behind the dresser or anywhere you cannot see in plain view. Tackle those little rascals.
4) Touch up any scuff marks near and around your doors, door frames and baseboards. And don’t forget about any of those little craters that the kids made by slamming the door open into the sheetrock.
5) Loose handles on the kitchen or bathroom cabinets? Tighten them. You don’t want buyers opening cabinets and those little boogers falling off in their hands. Remember, you are trying to give the buyers a great first impression. Little things add up, either in a positive or negative light.
6) Valuables. Keep it all out of sight and secured. Firearms? Yep, hide and secure those too.
7) If you have been in your home for several years, why wait for a buyer to pay for a home inspector? If you can repair some items now, this can prevent delays when under contract. Just a thought!
8) And finally KISS. No, not a meet and greet with Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley and the rest of the band, (unless you have that much money and pull). Keep It Simple Silly!
In conclusion, taking the initiative to prepare and list your home ahead of time can significantly enhance your selling experience. By avoiding the pitfalls of last-minute decisions, you position yourself to showcase your property at its best and attract potential buyers effectively. Early preparation allows for thoughtful planning, necessary improvements, and a more strategic approach to pricing and marketing. Ultimately, by acting in advance, you not only reduce stress but also increase your chances of achieving a successful sale at a favorable price. Don’t wait—start your preparations today for a smoother and more rewarding home-selling journey this spring and summer.
Billy Ducote, REI, MRP, CNE
Residential Real Estate
The Zimmern Team
Billy Ducote is a part of our Community Real Estate Voices, brought to by The Zimmern Team. The Zimmern Team Powered by Levin Rinke Realty is a team of experienced, licensed real estate agents serving the residential and commercial real estate needs of the Gulf Coast.
