As the weather gets warmer, the housing market is only continuing to flourish and in the seller’s favor! Realtor.com states:

“Despite skyrocketing home prices, a majority of Americans believe now is a good time to buy a home, according to a new survey from Gallup. Some 53% of Americans believe it is a good time to buy, Gallup reported Tuesday, citing the results of a survey of nearly 1,000 U.S. adults conducted in April. Last year, only 50% of people felt this way, marking a record low since Gallup began tracking Americans’ sentiment on the housing market in the 1970s.”

With many families shifting to accommodate their new remote work and school schedules, the demand for homes has skyrocketed. This has driven inventory low and has caused prices to rise, with experts stating the general public expects home prices to continue to rise in their local area over the next year. With that said, for those of you that are prepping your house for sale this summer, you’re in luck! Despite demand for homes at an all-time high, it pays off to have all your ducks in a row prior to listing your home for sale. That doesn’t mean selling your house this summer involves a TON of extra work, but let’s dive into a few ways to really nestle the cherry on top.

Spring Cleaning? If you haven’t already dived head first into deep cleaning your home this spring, then now’s the time! This is the perfect opportunity to clear out any junk and clutter, and prep for your own move! Put yourself into a prospective buyer’s shoes and look at your home and property from that perspective. It’s much easier to see all the perks of your home from the buyer’s perspective when everything is neat and tidy.

Does your home need any repairs? Consult with your REALTOR® for guidance on what is a necessary repair before moving forward here. There may be certain repairs that would be a nice to have, but that aren’t completely necessary prior to listing your home. Everyone’s situation is different and ultimately this will come down to what you are comfortable negotiating with a buyer. For more minor repairs like chipped paint, scuffed floors, stained carpeting, etc., consider tackling these yourself if you’re handy and willing.

Own your curb appeal. First impressions are everything right? Even if your house is beautiful inside, if the first thing a buyer sees is a less than stellar exterior, this doesn’t paint your property in the best light. Go ahead and place yourself in the buyer’s shoes again. Walk outside and talk a good, hard look at your home from the curb and don’t be afraid to be judgemental. What draws your eye first? Maybe the lawn needs a bit of a touch up or the mulch looks sun-bleached and the flower beds could use some extra color. This will all help you check all the boxes for a smooth and successful sale this summer.

Depersonalize your home. This is a subtle one, but can be very impactful. Take down any family photos, religious trinkets, political items, or anything that might prohibit buyers from envisioning your home as their own. This doesn’t mean that your home needs to be totally bare bones prior to selling, but there’s countless other things you can do to give off that cozy, home vibe without leaving buyers feeling like they’re intruding on someone else’s home. Air fresheners, candles, and landscape photos or artwork can all help to ensure your home is as inviting as can be.

The housing market in summer 2021 is shaping up to be a seller’s market. Do you think your house is ready to be listed? Visit us on social and share any additional tips you have on getting your house ready to sell: Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. To learn more about us at UCBR, visit us here. We are your go-to source for everything real estate in Ulster County. Cheers!