For as long as I can remember, most people who want to sell their homes (but don’t have a specific timeline for when it has to happen) choose to sell in the spring market. Assuming that it’s an average year, there are many good reasons for this timing, including an historic trend of higher sales prices.
Even if your home is in model perfect condition, there are things that you will want to do to prepare for a sale. Having plenty of time is a lot less stressful than the alternative. You may want to consult with your CPA, financial planner, or an attorney, to make sure that you’re aware of tax consequences and strategies. If you hold title to your home in a trust, you’ll want to have documents available in advance for the title company. Even if you don’t have a trust, your Realtor® can help you with opening a “pre-escrow” with the title company, to make sure that all is in order. If part of your home selling plan includes buying another home, you’ll want to thoroughly research your purchase options, and if you’ll be needing financing, make sure that you are pre-approved and that there are no unforeseen surprises on your credit report.
Now is a great time to make two lists. The first is a list of trusted professionals who you should consult with now (Realtor®, CPA, attorney, etc.). The second is a list of home projects that you think need to be done prior to market, to present your home in its best light. After you’ve made a project list, I strongly recommend meeting with your Realtor®. It’s a great time to share your list and get some professional feedback. There may be items on your list that aren’t necessary, and there may be some items that you’ve forgotten. An excellent Realtor® will guide you through your options to get the best return on your time and investment.
As you refine your list, pay special attention to the projects that can be affected by weather, supply chain issues and the availability of skilled labor. You’ll want to schedule these projects now, to make sure that they’re not holding you up next spring. It’s important to note that here in Danville, our “spring” market often takes off in February, and peaks in March and April. It’s usually weather dependent, so you should be prepared to be flexible. If your house needs exterior paint, roof work or anything else that can’t be done in the rain, get it done now.
Pay special attention to the small details, now. Do you have a beautiful appliance that needs a small repair, or perhaps a missing piece of specialized hardware on a cabinet? If you identify those items early and order the parts you need, you’ll be ready to go when the time comes. The items may not be expensive, but you may need significant time to get these parts and find the appropriate tradesperson to do the repair.
Think about your target date for selling your home. How does your landscaping look at that time of year? Do you have a spectacular show of color when your trees bloom? When do the leaves return on your trees? Consult with your Realtor® to see if it makes sense to plan around nature. It may, or may not. If your yard could use some sprucing up, take those plans into consideration now. Some plants will do best if they are put in the ground early, allowing time for the roots to establish and the plant to fill out. Others may be best planted early next year. Do you have a patio, deck or concrete that needs repair? These repairs are weather sensitive, too. Do you have a tree that needs pruning or removal? For many trees, autumn is the best time to prune. If you are planning to remove a tree, you may need time to get a permit.
Be realistic about plans that involve skilled professionals. Your preferred contractor may be booked well in advance, and it’s always smart to allow a good amount of buffer time for the completion of a big project. If you’re busy now and planning to utilize the end of December to early January, to get bids and make your plans, remember that many of the people you need to consult with may not be available, as they may be taking a break for the winter holidays.
Every home sale is unique. Please feel free to reach out to me at 925-964-5010 or via email at Lisa.Hopkins@Compass.com to discuss your options. It’s never too early to start planning for success.valuating your options has you feeling overwhelmed, please feel free to reach out to me at 925-964-5010 or via email at Lisa.Hopkins@Compass.com for a custom analysis of your options. Even if you’re not planning to move, I’m happy to help by providing you with relevant data, enabling you to make a well informed decision. It’s never too early to start planning for success.ns@Compass.com to discuss your options. It’s never too early to start planning for success.
