| How to Prepare for Spring Selling Season |
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Spring is believed to be the busiest season of the year in the real estate market. For sellers, listing in the spring provides an opportunity to take advantage of the notable increase in buyer demand. As for buyers, there's much more inventory to select from in the spring. Here are a few tips on how to prepare for the spring selling season.
How to Prepare as a Buyer
Once the spring season rolls around, you'll discover that there are more homes to choose from, which increases your chances of finding your dream home. However, the competition among other buyers will also be stronger, which is why preparation is necessary.
First things first, find out how much you can afford and get pre-approved. Your lender can run the numbers and help you determine what you can afford. Don’t have a lender? Ask your real estate agent for a referral. Having a pre-approval letter ready when you start looking for homes means you are prepared to make an offer when you find the right home.
Next up, figure out your requirements. Before the spring season arrives, research local neighborhoods, schools, and amenities to determine your areas of interest. Then make your wish list. Start browsing homes online, and pay attention to the details, so you can make a list of all the features you do and don’t like. By narrowing your search early on, you'll have a better idea of what you’re looking for, and you can avoid wasting time and energy visiting properties that don’t meet your needs.
How to Prepare as a Seller
If you've decided to sell your home, your main goal when preparing for the spring season is to get everything ready for the listing and home-selling process.
First up, price it right. Your should work with a realtor to discuss your selling timeline and determine the right price for your home, so that your home doesn’t sit on the market too long or sell for too little.
You should also have your home professionally photographed to attract more buyers to the listing. Make sure it’s clean and tidy before those photos are taken. Nothing is more unappealing to buyers than a cluttered and messy property. Cleaning and decluttering your home now will prepare you for showings later. Minimizing the number of photos, toys, and other personal items in your home also makes it easier for buyers to envision themselves living there.
Consider cleaning the exterior as well. Your home's exterior is the main source of its curb appeal. You can boost your home's curb appeal by planting flowers, trimming shrubs, and removing leaves and debris.
How to Prepare if You're on the Fence
If you're on the fence about buying or selling a home, you should conduct ample research before the spring selling season arrives. Even though spring is a busy season, it's not the only time of the year when you can buy or sell a home. Consider your financial situation and think more about what you want in the near future. Reach out and we can talk about what makes the most sense for your situation.
Once the temperatures warm up and the scenery becomes more picturesque, the real estate market also begins to heat up. Whether you want to buy/sell or are currently on the fence, preparing for the selling season now should help you avoid feeling rushed when it gets here.
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| House Hunting with Pets |
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Nearly 68% of U.S. households own pets. Pets share our living spaces and sometimes run our lives more than we’d like to admit, so there is a lot to consider when shopping for a new home that you will share with your furry/scaly/feathery friend. Here are some tips for house hunting with a pet in mind.
 Inform Your Agent
The first thing you need to do is inform your real estate agent about your pet and what home features are important for your specific pet. That way your agent can inform you of any local ordinances or restrictions, and they can help filter your home search to properties and neighborhoods that are pet friendly.
Consider Outdoor Space
If you have a pet that enjoys the outdoors, you should pay close attention to several home and neighborhood features when looking at homes.
- Yard - Does the yard size give your pet enough room to roam? Do you have easy access to the yard, i.e., will it be easy to let your pets in and out? If the home has a pool, it should come with a gate or cover. Is there any vegetation that would be harmful to your pet? How are the sightlines - can you see your yard from your kitchen or living room?
- Fencing - Does the yard have a fence? How high is it (for jumpers)? How private is it (for barkers)? Do the gates properly latch? If there is no fence, how much would it cost for you to install one for that lot size?
- Neighborhood - Are there any busy roads nearby? Are the streets well lit? Are there sidewalks, parks, or other suitable walking areas nearby? If your dog gets loose or your cat likes to prowl at night, will they be safe?
Check the Rules and Guidelines
If you intend to search for a home in a neighborhood that's managed by an HOA, you should identify what guidelines they have in regard to pets. It's possible that there will be a limit on the size or number of pets that can be in one household.
When rules are in place, violations can result in substantial fines, which is why it's best that you find out this information before making an offer. Many communities are pet friendly and include on-site services that are beneficial for pets.
Consider Interior Features
The interior of the home you're interested in should also be considered. For instance, does the house have a bay window or large window ledges where a cat can sit? Does the bathroom have a shower or tub that will accommodate pets for baths/grooming? As for flooring, carpets will stain easily and attract pet dander and fur. Hardwood and tile floors are preferable.
Numerous factors will play a role in your final decision when searching for the right home. As long as you inform your realtor and make sure that the neighborhood doesn't have restrictive rules against pets, you should be able to find a home that your pets love. |
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