For many, purchasing a new home, or selling their current home, or possibly both, are a big part of their new year goals. Here is a quick read to help you get the ball rolling.
For one of my neighbours, the taking-down of the multi-coloured Christmas tree display in his back-yard signals the end of the holiday season. For most, the unwanted gifts have been returned, the Christmas tree has been taken down, and the hardening remains of the Christmas baking have been eaten. For many who are in the habit of forming New Year’s resolutions, this is the time of year when goals are refreshed, or new ones are made with the roadmap of the year ahead in mind.
But for those whose goals for the year include the sale of a home, or a downsizing to something cozier, or a move to that neighbourhood you’ve been driving around on Sundays, this is the time of year to start preparing.
In the spring, everything seems to warm up- especially the real estate market. Without a doubt, spring is one of the best times of year to list a home. The dormancy of buyers has ebbed and the market sees a huge spike in activity, making this the time of year in which one would have the highest chance of reaching their hoped-for price point (provided you have a realistic price-point) within their hoped for time-frame (provided you have an experienced realtor).
So, if you are someone who has been thinking of making your move to that dream home, or to that dream neighbourhood, or even to downsize, this is the time of year to get prepared. There is much to be done, and you don’t want to be caught doing it during the rush that happens when the weather suddenly warms, because it is the ones who are fully ready to go who get the best results.
And how do you get fully ready to go?
First, you need to speak to a mortgage professional and find out what kind of budget you are working with, or if they have any concerns with your financial portfolio that they would need to see addressed before they would be willing to approve anything. Those are things you don’t want to be scrambling over at the last minute and potentially gumming up a deal in the works.
Secondly, you need to find the right realtor. Might I suggest myself? Okay, okay, you can’t blame me for saying it. Regardless of who you work with, you must make sure your realtor is experienced enough to ensure you are listing for the best possible price right out of the gate, has a strategy for how best to market your home, and has access to all of the latest marketing tools and technologies to make your home stand out during a time of year when there will be lots of inventory.
If you are only planing to purchase, and not sell a home as well, this is where you start searching. You now know your budget and have picked a suitable real estate agent, now the fun begins. Here is a link to start searching your favourite Edmonton communities for the perfect home. Click the link, set your criteria, and away you go! Start Your Search
Lastly, you need to get your home ready. This point is vital. Does your green living room need to be re-painted? Does your stained carpet need to be steam-cleaned after uncle Al dropped his nog over the holidays? Are there holes in the walls that need to be repaired? And what about the exterior? How well does the outside of your home present to the world? With spring comes a myriad of serious buyers, but there will also be a myriad of lovely homes for them to choose from. You must present your home’s best possible condition to prospective buyers, or you cannot expect to receive your home’s best possible price. When a buyer walks into your home, they are walking in with a critical eye, looking for any flaw that might put them off your property. Don’t give them that chance. Making sure your home is spic-and-span and staged well is of utmost importance, so now might be the time to give the appliances a wash-down or take down that oil painting over the mantle of your great-grandmother holding her cat. And, of course, if you are nervous that your eye is not critical enough, make sure to speak to your realtor. With any luck, you will have someone on your side who has seen the large majority of what sells fast and for top-dollar, and how to get your home as close to that condition as you are able to.
If selling this year, and you want to know what your home is worth, please follow this link to receive a Free, No Obligation Home Evaluation for your property type, in your community.
Here are a couple other blog's I wrote for getting your home ready for sale.
Why do some homes sell quickly while others sit on the market, or don’t sell at all?
Edmonton Spring Market
If selling your home is something you are considering for the coming year, spring market is a great time to take advantage of, if you are able to, so if you have any additional questions or concerns please do not hesitate to reach out to me! I know right now it seems like we are all living in some eternally frozen wasteland, but the weather will warm in just a few short months and I would be happy to assist you in any way I can so that you are ready to get going while the going is good! Contact me here!
Posted by Corey Sylvester on
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