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Spring marks the start of warmer days and storage space clean-outs. We spend this time of renewal enjoying more sunshine and giving our homes a much-needed scrubbing. Basements are reorganized and bicycles are pulled out of winter hibernation. Beyond the April showers and May flowers, spring is the time when the real estate market awakens from a quiet winter season.
According to Zillow, “A higher share of homes sold in the spring months sell for a premium than homes sold at any other point in the year. One in four U.S. homes sell above initial list price in March through May, which is higher than at any other point in the year. This pattern is consistent market to market.”(1) If you’re ready to purchase a new home, now is a great time to get organized! With the help of a professional mortgage lender, I’ve created this Mortgage Loan Chicklist to help you gather the documents you’ll need for a loan application and reduce stress. I know paperwork isn’t all that exciting, so check out the Chicklist and let’s focus on getting your home in tip-top shape and boost its curb appeal!
#1 | Clean your porch
Whether you have a large porch or a quaint stoop, make sure that this space is presented in the best possible light by working to keep it clear and clean. Take down any leftover holiday decorations and add a new doormat. While you’re at it, wipe down door frames and windows. Look out for any mud dauber and wasp nests. If your house numbers are no longer readable from the street, consider updating them with new hardware and/or color. Consider adding a hanging plant-something that is bright, has color, and hopefully hard to kill.
#2 | Tidy up your landscaping
Landscaping can do a lot to make a positive first impression on a homebuyer. Bust out the rakes and clippers and mow your yard often to keep it looking neat. Remove piles of dead leaves and sticks. Now is a great time to cut back overgrown shrubs that block windows. Pull up the clumps of crabgrass growing between the sidewalk segments and make sure to keep all your flower beds weed free. If you are a fan of yard ornaments, now is the time to start packing some away and showcase your landscaping and not your yard décor. A cheery bird feeder is a nice touch, but keeping décor simple is the key to highlighting your home for potential buyers.
#3 | Keep windows clean and orderly
Now is the time for some elbow grease! Keep windows—both inside and outside your home—smudge and dust free with regular wipe-downs. Go the extra mile and clean the sash and frame. Additionally, maintain a tidy outside appearance by making sure all window treatments are clean and unbroken and interior items are not pressing against the glass. A gorgeous garden can’t compete if an old blanket is being used as a curtain or if homebuyers see boxes piled up against a window.
#4 | Add some color
Celebrate spring and leave a lasting impression on homebuyers with a signature color! Paint your mailbox and add coordinating flower pots. Add a garden flag, hang a new wreath or brightly colored bird feeders. Even repainting your porch railing or shutters can spruce up your curb appeal and make your home look warm and inviting. Many of these little changes are quick and can be done inexpensively. Be sure to consult your HOA (if necessary) beforehand to avoid an unnecessary headache mid-listing.
#5 | Don’t overlook side and back yards
Curb appeal extends well beyond the front section of your home; side and back yards should also be as well kept as the façade of your lot. Be sure to store children’s toys and seasonal equipment tidily and out of sight, if possible. Now is the time to clean out the shed or garage. (Need help organizing your garage, check out my blog Garage Organization 101.) If you have a woodlot, do your best to rake broken bark, tidy your stacks, and remove the tarp. Lastly, make sure your garbage and recycling bins are neatly corralled and inconspicuous.
Even if you are not thinking about putting your home on the market, now is a great time to enjoy the great outdoors and boost your home’s curb appeal. Organizing your shed and staging your porch may not seem like priorities on your to-do list, but I promise it will make a difference. A little extra effort now will help you present your home in the best possible way and attract homebuyers well before the stiff competition of summer. And remember, if you’re feeling overwhelmed or unsure about how to get started; you can always bring in the pros!
Looking to purchase a new home? Currently, interest rates are still very low and the spring real estate market is beginning to get busy. With so many great homes on the market, I’ve created this Mortgage Loan Chicklist to help you prepare your application and get organized!
Best wishes for a successful spring tidy-up and STAY ORGANIZED!
Contributed by S. Walter
