By Jacqueline Beardsley
The Spring Housing Market Is Beginning!
In many areas it is still a sellers market, however, in order to know what is going on in your local market you should always contact a real estate professional as myself who can give you an in-depth look at the market and help guide you with your real estate needs.
WHAT'S NEW FOR BUYERS
In Illinois buyers are now required to enter into a buyer brokerage agreement. This should be done before viewing your first home. Remember it does not apply if you are viewing an open house. I highly recommend however, that all buyers should sit with an agent(s) who has invested their time and presented a thorough 'Buyer Presentation' to you. Once you have chosen your designated agent, you can view open houses without them but they will still be representing you with your home purchase.
GETTING HOUSE READY FOR SPRING MARKET
Your real estate agent can best assist you with any home improvements you may need to complete in order to be competitive in your area.
When selling always think in terms of CLEAN! Nothing makes more impact than a home that is clean and appears to be in move in condition even if there is updating that needs to be done but isn't going to be performed by the sellers.
When selling in the spring market start outside and clean, clean, clean. Put some nice flowers out in pots on the porch or steps leading to the front door. This way you can bring them in if the night temperatures drop and create frost. In Illinois April can still get that cold at night. A new welcome mat should be in front of door also. It's small things like this that make a big impression.
Inside be sure to give the walls a fresh coat of paint and be consistent throughout the house. Paint IS and always will be the cheapest way to make the biggest change in any home. Use a light neutral color that your real estate professional will recommend.
In the kitchen, make sure to polish the sink, clear everything off of counters and put very little on counters.
If your kitchen floor is really outdated and you can't afford to replace it consider a large area rug under the table, and a nice rug in front of the sink. This will break up the floor and draw the eye to the rugs.
You can update a bathroom by replacing the vanity, mirror and light fixtures. Some stores will let you buy now and pay later without interest if you open an account with them such as Home Depot.
Replace old caulk and buy a new shower curtain also new towels to put out for showings.
If there are things that you realize need replacing such as HVAC or an appliance like the dishwasher but you are not going to be fixing them, get estimates for cost replacement that buyers might take into consideration when negotiating.
You should locate warranties, guarantees and user manuals for the furnace, washer/dryer, dishwasher and other appliances or systems that will stay in the house.
I specialize in staging homes for sale without the cost of hiring a professional staging company. There are many factors that determine what is and is not necessary which I know how to determine. Many times, a seller may over improve or pay for services that were not necessary. Ask your agent if they are able to do the staging that may be necessary for your particular situation without any additional cost to you. Often times hiring a professional staging company is absolutely NOT necessary! Agents who aren't sure how to best guide sellers in this area may suggest you hire someone else for home staging but I promise it's not that difficult and you will still generate the highest price you are hoping to get from your home sale without hiring a professional home stager. Below is a pdf you may download and share!
 |
| Charles Rutenberg Realty Naperville IL VISIT MY WEBSITE Keep Current with real estate news and the market through my free monthly newsletter!  |