Selling your home next spring? Here’s what you need to do now

There’s no time like the present to plan ahead. If you’re even thinking about selling your home early next year, there are a number of things you can (and should!) do now to prepare.

Here are a few tips to get your home market-ready before colder temps set in.

Ask your broker to order professional photos of your home’s exterior now

With the majority of buyers beginning their home search online, photos are often their first impression of your property. That’s why beautiful photography is an essential part of your real estate marketing strategy.

If you plan to list your home any time between now and next spring, you’ll want to have professional photos taken while the landscape is still colorful and leafy.

The same is true for video footage. A scenic backdrop puts your home in the best possible light, so the sooner photos and video are captured, the better.

Tackle outdoor repairs

Fall is a great time to take care of home improvement projects like exterior painting, roof repairs and replacing windows, as the weather tends to work in your favor. So if there is anything that needs to be done as far as home maintenance or sprucing up your curb appeal, now is the time.

Declutter and get organized

Most homes could stand a little decluttering – and that’s especially true before they hit the market.

Start getting organized so your home will be in tip-top shape for open houses and showings. This not only ensures you have plenty of time to prepare, but also means you won’t have to schlep boxes to the self-storage when it’s bitter cold and there’s snow on the ground.

Here are a few ways to declutter before you sell your home.

Request a Digital CMA (Comparative Market Analysis)

Ask your broker to prepare a CMA, which will give you an initial snapshot of your home’s value. Unlike a traditional CMA, which is a static report, @properties’ Digital CMA is continuously updating, meaning you always have the most accurate, real-time data right at your fingertips.

Keep in mind that pricing and market conditions can change between now and the time you list, but knowing where you stand today will be helpful in planning your next home sale or purchase.

Written by Kelly Maguire
Kelly is the corporate communications manager for @properties.