The Time Is Now; How to Prepare Your Home to Be Sold

If the end of 2011 was any indication of what direction the real estate market is headed, 2012 should be a great year!  And, if you are one of the countless Massachusetts homeowners who has been waiting to list your home until the market presents ideal conditions, you may be in luck. Now is the time to get your home on the market; open houses are buzzing with buyers. 

Below are the four steps that you should take today to prepare your home to sell:

Think like a buyer

Be critical--evaluate the strength and weaknesses of your home. Highlight the positive and seek the advice of an experienced real estate broker about how to compensate for the negatives. Consider a pre-inspection with a certified home inspection company. Make a list of easy repairs and get to work fixing them! 

Presentation is everything

You have one shot to make a first impression on a buyer.  Make sure your home is clutter free. Baseboards should be clean and stair treads scuff-free. Nothing detracts more from the big picture than yellow spots on the ceiling and dingy walls. Paint is cheap, you should see a good return on investment if you spend a little time refreshing with a neutral paint and making simple cosmetic improvements.  You don't have to hire an interior designer or professional stager; you can ask the advice of an experienced real estate broker. During winter months, keep pathways free of ice and make it easy for prospective buyers to get to your front door. If possible, have a fire going for ambiance.

Do your spring cleaning now

I love to see fresh flowers in a home.  Get rid of dried flower arrangements and old house plants.  Invest in fresh new bedding--after all, you get to take it with you. Bright accent pillows add a warm touch. Remove heavy drapes and let the sunshine in. Wash the windows, and be sure that your house will be as presentable, as early as possible. Put in calls to the people who can make it happen; be sure that you are first on everyone’s list when spring finally does get here. Landscapers, painters, pavers and other services can make a world of difference when separating your house from its competitors. 

Determine the steps you need to make

Find or reconnect with a real estate broker that you feel comfortable with, and discuss the next steps that you need to take. As important as it is to focus on your home’s condition and appearance is, you’ll also need to market your house through the proper channels, with an agent you have full confidence in.  

Amy Mizner is a Principal at Benoit Mizner Simon & Co., LLC with over 17 years of experience of helping Sellers and Buyers in the Weston real estate market. With offices in Weston and Wellesley, Amy can be reached at (617) 851-4909 or amy@benoitmiznersimon.com.