The spring real estate market typically begins showing a lot of activity in the warmer weather, making it an excellent time to sell your home for multiple reasons:
- Better weather usually brings out more homebuyers
- More daylight and spring curb appeal will help homes show better
- Buyers have extra cash from tax refunds
- Buyers often want to get settled into a new home during summer when their kids are on break
- This year buyers will want to secure a mortgage before interest rates hike
Timing the spring real estate market just right is critical. Listing too early or too late in the spring market can cost a homeowner thousands of dollars. Redfin.com market statistics for Guadalupe County show that March begins the listing season with steady growth and a spike in May. Now is the time to start making decisions and preparing your home for the real estate market if you plan to take advantage of the spring uptick.
Now that we’ve determined it’s an excellent time to sell, let’s get ready!
Prepare your home for an appraisal.
Assess the condition of your home and repair problems such as leaking pipes, electrical issues, safety concerns, or other big-ticket items that an appraisal will point out to potential buyers. Make repairs now so that the appraisal will not hinder the process.
Clean and declutter.
Put your personal knick-knacks, family photos, and anything else that could be considered “clutter” in a storage unit. Keep only the most essential pieces of furniture and a few elements of decor in the home. Potential buyers need to walk through clean, spacious areas so they can imagine where their things will go.
Focus on curb appeal.
As spring begins to bloom, be sure to get rid of plants that didn’t make it through winter and keep the lawn in good condition so that it looks bright and inviting. Replace or paint your mailbox if it’s damaged. Consider painting or replacing exterior doors if they are weather-worn or damaged. Potential buyers want to see themselves relaxing in their new home rather than having to begin home improvement projects right away.
Be ready to move fast.
In a seller’s market, you may encounter buyers with cash offers, which means you could be moving sooner than expected. Make sure you have solid move-out plans before listing your home. Here’s my advice on navigating the tricky situation of selling your home and buying a new one all at the same time
The well-being of my clients is always my first concern, and I will advise you individually based on your situation. While the spring real estate market is about to heat up and selling would be beneficial, this might not be the right time for you. Now might not be the best time if:
- Current market prices are too high for you to buy a new home.
- You need to make credit repairs to get approved for a home loan.
- Your home needs significant repairs or upgrades.
These factors are not deal-breakers – they’re just another reason to start planning early. There are some great rental options available in the area if you choose to sell now and wait for home prices to drop before purchasing again. Credit can be repaired over time. If your home needs costly repairs, start getting quotes and scheduling maintenance now so that you can make repairs over time rather than all at once. If you need to wait until next spring to sell, I will still be here to help!
Contact me if you need help preparing for the hot spring real estate market! I’d love to help you sell your home and find you a new one! | krista@bloomrealtytx.com | (830) 305-5248
