Take Action Now to Improve Your Home's Curb Appeal with Professional Advice

It might take longer to prepare your home for sale this spring than it would have a year or two ago. The housing market of today feels different. Compared to this time last year, there are more homes for sale, but the inventory remains historically low. So, if a house has been sitting on the market for a while, that’s a sign it may not be hitting the mark for potential buyers. But here’s the thing. Right now, homes that are updated and priced at market value are still selling fast.

Today, well-presented homes with good curb appeal continue to sell quickly and occasionally for more than the asking price. According to Danielle Hale, Chief Economist at realtor.com:

“In a market where costs are still high and buyers can be a little choosier, it makes sense they’re going to really zero in on the homes that are the most appealing.”

It's time to start preparing your home for sale now that the spring buying season is quickly approaching. Working with a reputable real estate agent who can help you figure out which improvements are most valuable in your area will also help you decide where to spend your time and money.

Curb Appeal Wins

Finding smaller projects you can complete yourself is one way to give updates a higher priority that might provide a good return on your investment. Usually, small improvements that increase curb appeal are successful. Investopedia puts it this way:

“Curb-appeal projects make the property look good as soon as prospective buyers arrive. While these projects may not add a considerable amount of monetary value, they will help your home sell faster—and you can do a lot of the work yourself to save money and time.”

Small cosmetic updates, like refreshing some paint and power washing the exterior of your home, create a great first impression for buyers and help it stand out. Work with a real estate professional to find low-cost projects you can tackle around your house that will appeal to buyers in your area.

Not All Updates Are Created Equal

When deciding what you need to do to your house before selling it, remember that you’re making these repairs and updates for someone else. Prioritize projects that will help you sell faster or for more money over things that appeal to you as a homeowner.

The 2022 Remodeling Impact Report from the National Association of Realtors (NAR) highlights widespread home improvements and what sort of return they bring for the investment (see graph below):

Remember to lean on your trusted real estate advisor for the best advice on the updates you should invest in. They’ll know what local buyers are looking for and have the latest insights into what your house needs to sell quickly this spring.

Bottom Line

As we approach spring, now’s the time to get your house ready to sell. Let’s connect today so you can find out which updates make the most sense.