While March 20th marks the official start of spring, Michiganders know the season doesn’t really arrive for several more weeks! However, while you’re waiting for the buds to burst open and the return of warm weather, there are plenty of things you can do to prepare for spring – especially if you plan on selling your home.

Spring is an Ideal Time for Sellers

According to Zillow, May has historically been the best month to sell a house. But the entire spring season, from April to June, is considered the prime time to sell, offering the highest potential for fast sales and top dollar. Like bears emerging from hibernation, the warm weather lures potential buyers out and about. Greener lawns, blooming flowers, and furnished outdoor living spaces also make most homes show better both in photographs and in-person, improving curb appeal and generating more interest. In addition, families with children who are house hunting like to get settled in spring or early summer before the school year starts. And since more buyers are actively looking, the increased competition can lead to multiple offers and higher sales prices – in some cases 10-13% above market value.

Of course, you will also be facing more competition from other sellers, so it’s important to make your home stand out with a little preparation.

Help Your House Stand Out

To help your home appeal to more buyers, it’s wise to start prepping early in the season. Here’s a few ways you can make your home stand out this spring:

• Boost your curb appeal – Mother Nature does some of the work for you by greening up the lawn and coaxing flowers to bloom, but you can help her by making sure the lawn is mowed, shrubs are trimmed, any winter debris is cleaned up, and those early pesky weeds are removed. Adding some color by planting annuals and filling a few well-placed pots with flowers can also make a big difference. Believe it or not, a freshly painted front door is one of the most cost-effective ways to increase a home’s curb appeal since it creates a welcoming first impression.
• Clean and declutter indoor spaces – Spring cleaning takes on a new meaning when you’re preparing your home to sell. Not only is it important to give your home a thorough cleaning, getting rid of clutter can help you sell faster and at a higher price. In fact, 99% of real estate agents agree that clutter decreases property value, and 76% say decluttering helps homes sell faster. Decluttering can make rooms appear larger, improve first impressions, and help potential buyers picture themselves living in the house. Start by packing up as many personal items as possible, such as family photos and collectibles. The next step is clearing surfaces by removing excess items from kitchen counters, desks, tables, and bookshelves. Finally, go through closets and other storage areas, getting rid of unwanted items and organizing what remains. It’s also important to give your home a deep clean, including often neglected areas such as baseboards. Washing windows inside and out will maximize light and make things bright. You may want to consider professional carpet cleaning to remove stains and/or odors.
• Consider hiring a staging expert – A report by The National Association of Realtors (NAR) revealed that staging a home can lead to a 1-10% price increase, as well as a decrease in time on the market. They found that staging the living room was most important for home buyers (37%), followed by the primary bedroom (34%) and kitchen (25%). When homes are staged it’s easier for buyers to envision themselves living in the home. Staging typically involves decluttering, cleaning, adding appealing touches, and improving curb appeal. Depending on the situation, you can expect to pay somewhere between $837 and $2,924 for professional home staging. However, if you are working with a real estate agent, they may offer this service or arrange for professional staging at a lower cost.
• Invest in high quality photographs – Since most home buyers begin their search online, having great photos of your home on real estate websites can make a huge difference. This is often the first (and sometimes only) look potential buyers get of your house. Professional photographers know how to use light and angles to make your home look its best. Data suggests that listing with professional photos sell up to 32% faster than those without and a study by NAR indicates that homes with high-quality photos sell at or above the listed price more frequently than those with substandard photos. The cost of photography services typically ranges from $150 to $500 depending on the size of the house and property.

Now is also the time to make minor repairs, including fixing leaky faucets and squeaky doors. If you have the time and budget, a fresh coat of paint can work wonders. In fact, paint is one of the most effective, high-ROI improvements for selling a house.

By starting preparations in late winter and early spring, you can avoid last-minute stress. And that includes finding a trusted real estate agent to provide guidance along the way. They can help you price your home right based on the latest market comparisons and suggest the best ways to make your home stand out this spring. Get ready to bloom!