According to Stephanie Summers, President of the Utah Central Association of Realtors, and the Daily Herald, spring time is a slippery slope for the housing market. The majority of Americans believe that this is the best time to invest in a house. If this is true, then this is great news for sellers because there is an active market. It is also a great time for buyers because the inventory available to them is extensive and allows them to be even more particular and more likely to haggle over price, closing costs, etc.So, if you are trying to sell your home, how do you make your property more appealing than all of the other properties out there vying for the same buyers?

First Impressions

Potential buyers won’t open the book if they don’t like the cover. Curb appeal is the first impression hook. The yard should be clear of toys and debris, the lawn and bushes should be trimmed, and the flower beds or garden should be well-tended. The exterior of the house must be presentable at all times, clean and free of stains and chips in paint. Siding, walkways, and driveways can be pressure-washed.

Cleanliness Is Priority

In order to get your home in the best possible selling condition, you must do more than just clean up; you must clean out! A yard sale is a great way to get rid of clutter and start the spring cleaning process. Seriously consider what is worth moving and sell or donate the rest. Use the money you make to get a great dinner after all of the hard work you’re going to put in to getting rid of that extra stuff.

Your home must be ready to show whenever a potential buyer wants to see it. Keeping it ready to show will be more complicated if you and/or your family are still living in the home.

• Be vigilant and consistent about picking and cleaning up as you mess up. It is okay for your house to look lived in, but only if anally clean people live there. Establish a daily cleaning routine that covers the basics like windows, floors, trash, and recycle. Clutter should never be seen by a potential buyer.
• Procrastination is not an option. Breakfast dishes cannot wait until later and laundry should not stack up or be left lying around the washer/dryer area. Clean the toilet and sink after every use, and make sure you leave the mirror(s) clear, especially after brushing your teeth. All counters should be clean and dry.

Maintain Balance

Your house should smell fresh, not disinfected. Daily cleaning doesn’t need daily disinfecting. Unless there is a specific bacterial threat, a scented bar soap makes a wonderful cleanser.

Your home is still your home until you sell it; but think of it as keeping someone’s home for them until they come to claim it. Maintain an inviting atmosphere that supports a welcome home feeling. Let in as much natural light as possible. You can use mirrors to reflect it into darker rooms.

Remember, you’re not selling a house; you’re offering someone a reality, a lifestyle.

Jodi Bakst is known for her straight-forward approach to real estate. She has an unparalleled reputation for listening to her clients and delivering results, whether that be in finding the right home for buyers or selling homes