Just Listed in Lakewood Ranch Country Club 13301 Palmers Creek Terrace.
September 23rd is the first official day of fall. And while the leaves may not be changing in southwest Florida, with the return of autumn months comes the lively march towards season. Our area’s snowbirds begin to make their way back to the Gulf Coast where the latest census estimates Sarasota County’s population alone increases by more than 80,000 people – with people hailing from places like the Midwest, the Northeast, Canada, and Europe.
Many homeowners choose to wait until this prime time of the year to place their homes on the market so we are listing some simple steps to help get you started now.
1. Meet with your Realtor®.
Even if you aren’t putting your home on the market for several months, you should be moving all the chess pieces so when the time is right, you are not left scrambling. Mary Smedley, Manager of the Michael Saunders & Company Boca Grande and Englewood offices offered this bit of wisdom,”Seek professional advice from a seasoned sales associate that will help you carefully plan with ideas on sprucing up the home inside and out to make it sparkle. For example, every homeowner should de-clutter and depersonalize their home. Your real estate agent can guide you on these ideas even if you are on a budget.”
2. Begin your improvements today.
Don’t underestimate the amount of time it takes to get your home in ship shape. Start with a thorough cleaning from dusting your fan blades to cleaning out your closets.
Repaint walls with bold colors to more neutral tones like tans and whites. It helps buyers imagines themselves in the space.
Start checking off your “honey-do” list – all those pesky little tasks you’ve been putting off like tightening doorknobs or touching up paint scuffs.
Simplify your decor to help buyers imagine themselves in your home. Keep the classic painting of the beach but you may wish to replace the zebra-print sofa.
Provide each room with a purpose. It’s time to start clearing out the spare room that acts as your office /workout /painting studio /storage space. Assign one use and clearly stage the room to reflect that purpose.
Consider curb appeal. First impressions matter so take the time to make your outdoors looking as spectacular as your indoors. Trim shrubs, weed your flower beds, pressure wash your pool terrace, and refresh your outdoor furniture with new pillows if they need it.
Begin removing all clutter from the scene inside your home from the daily stack of mail to the piles of shoes in the foyer.
Arrange your clothing in your closets by color.
3. Remain holiday-free in photography.
Once your home is in fine form, your Realtor will want to hire a professional photographer to take pictures. Even if you have the most amazing collection of Halloween, Thanksgiving, or holiday-themed decorations, keep it boxed up until the home is documented. Smedley offered this word of caution, “It’s important your home is portrayed as timeless. If it’s still on the market in spring, you’ll have buyers wondering why it’s been on the market for so long.”
Be careful to avoid holiday decorations in your photography.
4. Price it right.
“Right off the bat, you want to make your home irresistible to all buyers,” explained Smedley. “Work with your agent on realistic pricing to create a buzz in the market.” It’s important to take this time to really talk to your Realtor® and understand your marketplace. If you live in a gated golf course community, then your home needs to be priced with respect to similar homes for sale in that neighborhood. If your home is waterfront and on a barrier island, the same is true.
5. List now!
Think of it this way, you are not the only one who is waiting until season strikes to list your home. If you place it on the market before everyone else does, that is one sure way to eliminate the competition.
If you are thinking about listing your home, let Michael Saunders & Company help you reach your goals. Contact a Michael Saunders & Company agent today.