The Spring market - typically the strongest real estate market of the year - is here! If you are planning to sell your home, doing a little preparation beforehand can potentially help your home sell quicker and for a higher price. If you are able, moving out of your home prior to it going on the market is ideal. Work with your real estate agent on a plan for minor property repairs, cleaning, painting and staging of the home. If you need to remain in the home while it is active on the market, here are things to do to help present your home at its best:
Maximize Curb Appeal
Getting buyers through the front door starts at the curb. Manicure the lawn, and trim the trees and shrubs. Pull weeds and plant some colorful flowers. Clear the walkways. Fix peeling paint and wind up that hose. Paint the address number on the curb.
Make Repairs to Visible Blemishes
Is there something that’s an eyesore, but an easy fix? If looking at it bothers you, it could bother a potential buyer and reduce the appeal of your home. Replace burnt-out light bulbs, fix that loose door handle, and make needed paint touch-ups.
Make a Buyer’s Entrance Inviting
Freshly paint the front door with a color that contrasts the house. Add a new welcome mat and hang a fresh wreath on the door.
Let the Light Shine In
Remove heavy window coverings to let in the natural light we all crave and add lamps to brighten up darker areas to add more cheer.
Remove the Clutter
This serves two purposes.
Remove Personal Items
It will be much easier for potential buyers to imagine your home as theirs when they can envision their own items in it.
Highlight Special Features
Use accents and color to draw eyes to special features that you want potential buyers to notice—throw pillows, plants, or other eye-catching accessories.
Add Mirrors
Use mirrors to make rooms look larger and lighter. Position opposite windows for best effect.
Clean Out Cabinets and Closets
Buyers are nosy and they WILL open the cabinets. Make sure your contents are orderly and organized.
Eliminate Odors
Clean to remove any odors and do not cook any meals with heavy, lasting smells before a showing.
Add Aromas
You can easily add appeal by quartering an orange and adding it to a pot of water with a cinnamon stick. Simmer on low for an inviting aroma. Or bake a fresh batch of cookies (and leave a plate of them on the counter for visitors).
Stay up to date on the latest real estate trends.
While much of the Bay Area is experiencing inventory issues, the vast majority of areas are seeing inventories begin to pile up. As we know, San Francisco has the oppo… Read more
Median sale prices in the East Bay have fallen for six months straight.
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Single-family home median sale prices rose by 4.42% on a year-over-year basis, while condo median sale prices rose by 10.52%. Additionally, the average single-family h… Read more
Single-family inventory levels are 20.05% higher on a year-over-year basis, and condo inventory levels are 13.15% higher.
Although many markets have seen a downtrend in pricing, San Francisco has remained incredibly resilient.
Although prices have been incredibly resilient in the East Bay, the future of this stability is very uncertain, as inventories have been growing at a tremendous rate.
Single-family homes continue to be a hot commodity, while condos continue to sit on the market.
Inventory levels are increasing drastically throughout the entire East Bay, with the area seeing over 40% more active listings than this time last year.
You’ve got questions and we can’t wait to answer them.