How to Market Your Home for the Spring When It Still Feels Like Winter

There are many things to love about spring. The weather gets a little warmer. The days last a little longer. Bright colors start to peek out from trees, and flowers as they bloom. It’s a great time to sell your home. However, the recent winter weather burst may have left some concerned about getting their properties ready to list. With that in mind, we’ve compiled a few tips about how to sell your home this spring, even though your yard may still resemble a winter wonderland.

There is probably not a lot you can do to the outside of your house or your property right now erase the look of the cold, frigid weather we’re all experiencing. Be sure to clean driveways and walkways and put down ice melt in all the appropriate places to that house hunters can easily access all the entrances. Not worrying too much about the exterior will also provide an awesome opportunity for you to focus on the inside of your home. Use this extra time wisely to make sure everything behind the front door is in tip-top shape and stands out to prospective buyers.

First on the list – a big spring cleaning. Make sure the rooms look crisp, clean and organized. Get rid of any holiday items you haven’t put away. Consider getting carpets steamed so that they look refreshed. Wipe down windows, clean dusty chandeliers, and light fixtures, and allow the light to shine through. If you have a pet, be extra sure to clean up after him or her by washing beds, toys, even furniture. A large amount of time is spent in the kitchen, so take some extra time to reorganize closets, clean cabinets, and shine up appliances. Really focus on cleaning all parts of these rooms from top to bottom. A well-cared for home is always attractive to buyers.

Next, make sure your home is not too crowded with decorations or furniture. You want potential buyers to be able to imagine their belongings in the house. They can’t imagine what it would be like to live there if it won’t allow them any room to visualize it. This is a great time to remove the leather sectional in your den and the old hutch holding your grandmother’s china in the dining room. Store it if you don’t want to part with it – but work on freeing up some space. Having fewer “things” will allow rooms and closets to appear larger, which is always a win-win.

While it might be too chilly to put a fresh coat of paint on the outside of your home, there’re no reason you can’t paint the inside! Although you might love your red walls, potential buyers may not. Try neutral colors that will appeal to many different people -- like off-white, ivory, and several shares of beige or gray. If you’d really like some bright colors inside, put a few flowers on a table. Take some time to paint baseboards, window and door trim, and wainscoting, too. Those are often overlooked and chips and cracks can make the rest of the house look unattended to… Painted cabinets and furniture can be spruced up, as well. You’ll be amazed at what a difference this all makes.

One other step the seller may want to take is to supply some Spring/Summer photos in an album that can be viewed easily – so that potential buyers can view seasonal pictures. This helps them envision what the property looks like when the weather is a little more perfect.

Lastly, make any minor repairs that could potentially distract potential buyers from the beauty of your home. For example, fix cracks or holes in floors, walls, or ceilings, grout tile work where it may have fallen off, put some grease on a squeaky door, and make sure all light bulbs work. You can also use this time to be sure doors close properly and door locks work. You don’t need to give your home a complete makeover to make it look great – just ensure it’s all in working order.

When the weather gets a little bit warmer, take some time to pay some attention to the exterior of your house. Invest in a power washer to keep it looking clean, and consider doing the same to the driveway, sidewalk, and front walkways. Consider putting a fresh coat of paint on your front door. Trim the bushes and trees, plant some new flowers, and mow the lawn if necessary. Put some fresh mulch down when you can. If you can’t do this all by yourself, make an appointment now with your landscaper. Spring in New England comes quickly – and you’ll want to be the first house on your block ready for visitors.

Follow these tips, and you’ll be sure to capitalize on the spring selling market. If your home is ready to go – from inside out – you’ll be way ahead of the game when potential buyers are ready to make a deal.