Spring is on the way and warmer days are coming!

By Donna DeLauro
Posted 3/17/21

Maybe it's time to list your home for sale or just time to do some Spring cleaning. 

Either way this is a great time to catch up on some of those things on your to-do list.

There are many …

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Spring is on the way and warmer days are coming!

Posted

Maybe it's time to list your home for sale or just time to do some Spring cleaning. 

Either way this is a great time to catch up on some of those things on your to-do list.

There are many things we can do to perform some routine maintenance that don't need to break the bank.

Take an objective walk around your home inside and out and make a list of things that need tending to. 

Then prioritize the list based on importance and separate what you can do and what areas need a professional. 

We can easily do many things ourselves, with what we have lying around the home.

Clean closets, toss out those items that are out of date and will probably never be used, donate items you really don't need but someone would put to good use.

Organize areas to make them appear more appealing to a potential buyer. Plants and decor are great for our personal enjoyment, but a clear open area will create a more spacious feeling.   

Decluttering is always a good idea and costs nothing. If you're thinking of moving this is a great time to pack up items that aren't needed for daily life. With a little bit of organizing it’s possible to make a space appear to be additional living area. Purge all those unused items you've been saving "just in case" 

If you're saving things for someone to use in the future, perhaps the future is now and offer them up to family or friends. 

It may be nice to see those items being used and enjoyed rather than sitting in a box taking up space in the basement.

Paint walls and woodwork using up to date colors while keeping it neutral and light. 

Let the sunshine in! Remove room darkening curtains and allow natural light in. Dark rooms feel smaller and sad.

Don't forget the basement! Just because it's not part of your everyday cleaning, it is the heart of the home and buyers want to know your mechanics are maintained and working.

Dust off the heating unit, water and oil tank, electric panel box, pipes etc.  Vacuum any spider webs on the ceiling, and debris on the floor.

Be sure any potential water intrusion areas are secured and dry.

Run a dehumidifier and place air fresheners around.

There are plenty of things you can do on the outside of your home, to create an inviting curb appeal.

Rake the lawn; sweep the driveway and walkway, as well as the storm drains in the street.

Clean house gutters but be careful on that ladder and if it's not safe for you to, don't be shy to ask for help. 

Extend downspouts to deter water intrusion away from the home.

Clear and trim shrubs away from the exterior of the home.

Clean windows and storm doors.

Touch up weathered paint and remove spider webs from corners.

Replace outdoor lighting with brighter bulbs, to enhance your home at night.

Be sure your house number is visible for those potential buyers driving by.

If you determine you need to hire a professional for things like roofing, painting, mechanic upgrades, contact a Realtor to evaluate what should be done and what can be negotiated with a potential buyer.

A Realtor will be able to advise where best to spend your money in preparation for your potential home sale.

If there are issues that will inhibit the financing process, it may be best to address them prior to listing for sale.

An appraiser will be working for the lender to determine property value based on area sale activity, as well as property condition.  If the appraiser flags a condition issue, that may need to be done prior to closing, avoid any delays to keep the process moving, which will be less stressful for all.

In any case performing maintenance will extend the life of the home and keep you safe.

Speaking of safety, as we set clocks ahead one hour it's a good time to change the batteries in your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.

If selling the home, the property will need to be inspected by the local fire marshal. Detectors will need to be up to date and in the appropriate locations.  You can go to your local fire department web site for their specific requirements, or your Realtor will advise what's needed.

Enjoy making your home beautiful and safe while creating value as well.

Happy Spring!!


Donna DeLauro is a Realtor at RE/MAX Real Estate Center in Coventry. She is also a Senior Real Estate Specialist and the Proud Founder of Mature Matters.





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