Thinking of Listing Your House? Tackle These To-do’s Because the Spring Market is Kickin’ Off Soon

For many, Super Bowl Sunday is synonymous with football and food. But for real estate agents, this sports-centered holiday also signals the unofficial start to the spring home buying and selling season.

This spring could be busier than ever. Why? With mortgage rates close to historic lows, plenty of folks are considering making a move. Plus, as the pandemic continues, some are looking to upsize to make room for a home office, or find more functional outdoor space. The ability to work remotely is also encouraging some to migrate to the destination of their dreams.

If you’re a homeowner who’s thinking about getting off the sidelines and into the real estate game this spring, here are some important “plays” to make before listing your home.

Huddle up

First of all, you’ll want to get your “team” together and come up with a serious strategy about moving and all it entails. Devise a game plan by figuring out where you’ll go next. Then, establish a timeframe for everything that needs to get done before listing your property and, ideally, finding another.

Tackle major (and minor) fixes

Even the most conscientious homeowners have a few maintenance tasks they’ve avoided. Now’s the time to tackle these because the clock is ticking! Whether you need to declutter and clean or update a kitchen or bathroom, it’s best to get moving before you really have to get moving.

Don’t be afraid to punt a few tasks

Just like it wouldn’t make sense for a linebacker to punt the football, you may not be the best person for every job that needs to be done around your house to get it ready to hit the market. Everybody’s got strengths and weaknesses, and it’s okay to leave some tasks to the pros. For instance, gutter-cleaning, power-washing, and basic landscaping improvements will boost your curb appeal, and may be stuff you can handle. But fixing some electrical or plumbing issues may be more involved than your average weekend warrior can handle.

Play by the rules to avoid penalties

Any work you do that needs a permit or approval from the town should be done by the book. If not, you could be paying a penalty fee or fine for not doing so. Sure, the town may not notice when you’re doing the work, but when a new buyer does their inspections and due diligence, there’s a good chance that they will, and then you’ll have to deal with the town after the fact anyway…and probably pay a penalty.

Expect a couple of fumbles

Preparing your home for sale isn’t something that happens overnight. Don’t be surprised if you drop a few balls along the way. You’ll recover as long as you get back up, get back to your plan, and keep going!

Hire the best “coach” around

Often a team is only as good as its coach. You need someone who’s able to see the whole field and call the right plays. When you’re thinking of selling your most valuable asset, you definitely don’t want to throw a “Hail Mary” and hope it all works out! Hiring the best real estate agent can mean the difference between victory and defeat, so choose wisely!