Month: February 2021

Prepare Your Home for a Spring Listing

Selling House in SpringSpring is near, and it’s a great time to sell your home. Not only can we expect a bump in sales as those wanting to move delayed their decision because of COVID-19, but Spring has always been the most active home selling season across the U.S. and in the Minneapolis area. As we look forward to winter warming into a beautiful and active selling season, you can begin preparing your home for sale. What tasks are worth your time?

Your To-Do List to Get Your Home Ready to List This Spring

  1. Clean Those Often-Overlooked Areas

It may seem silly, but ‘erasing’ signs of wear and tear can create a positive ambiance for buyers. While many won’t stop and examine your outlets or baseboards, having these items clean will give your home an overall fresher, better maintained, and more welcoming feeling.

So, dust your fan blades, wipe off outlet covers and light switches, dust the baseboards, and use a cleaning eraser to remove scuffs from your walls.

  1. Let the Light In with Clean Windows

No buyer wants to purchase a home that lacks light. This means washing the windows both inside and out is a must. Yes, you can wait until it’s a little warmer, but do not skip this task. 

  1. Touch Up Paint

For those dings and marks that cannot be wiped away, take out the paintbrush and get painting. Not only does the fresh smell of paint give your home an inviting scent, clean walls give potential buyers a blank canvas where they can make your home their own.

  1. Clean Up the Yard and Landscaping

Curb appeal matters to buyers. So does being able to picture using your outdoor space to its fullest. On a warm day, survey your front yard and backyard for unsightly debris, and shrubs that need to be pruned. You may even want to add some annuals for a bit more color and warmth to your garden beds, or potted plants near your front door. And don’t forget to wipe down your outdoor furniture.

  1. Declutter

Paring back on your belongings lets your home shine its brightest come spring. So have a plan for the kids’ toys and other items that distract buyers. You can rent a temporary storage unit or invest in a few more decorative storage bins.

Are You Looking to List Your Home This Spring?

If you’re planning to sell your Minneapolis home this spring, there’s no need to wait to give me a call. I am happy to discuss how you can stage your home, and recommend minor repairs to help you get the best price for your house. Spring is near, so let’s get started now. Give me a call today.

Image credit: marchello74| iStock | Getty Images Plus

Finding Your Lakeville Home in a Seller’s Market

Searching for real estateIt’s easy to see why you would want to buy a home in Lakeville, Minnesota. This Minneapolis suburb is picturesque and filled with friendly neighbors ready to greet you. In fact, Lakeville is one of the most family-friendly cities outside of the Minneapolis city center. But as houses get swept off the market in record time, it can feel daunting to find your perfect home. So how can you find your dream home in this beautiful city, despite the seller’s market?

1. Hire a Professional Lakeville Realtor

Now, more than ever, you need a realtor familiar with the area and well-versed in the market. Browsing on listing websites just won’t cut it. You need a realtor that can learn when houses that fit your specs are going to hit the market. I can set you up with early alerts for homes that are becoming available to give you a jump on the competition and more time to decide on an offer amount.

2. Begin with Your Best Offer

In this market, there is no room to haggle and negotiate over the course of days and weeks. Properties are gone almost as soon as they are listed. I’ll advocate for you, and keep you apprised of what a home is worth, but in a seller’s market, there is rarely room for counteroffers.

3. Be Ready to Bid

Because homes are going fast, it’s important to know what you want and make a move when you see it. If a home fits your needs and most of your wants, be prepared to make an offer. Sellers don’t have to wait. So they won’t.

Make bidding easier by pre-qualifying for a mortgage. Give yourself peace of mind by making a list of your wants and needs and checking them off during a walk-through.

4. Think Creatively

Some sellers are ready to move–they’ve secured another home or they need to relocate for work. These buyers can be motivated to opt for a quicker closing. You can also offer flexible closing terms and if possible, cover your own closing costs.

5. Consider Full Asking Price…Or More

Most sellers are well-informed of how much their home is worth–and guess what? That’s what they expect. A quick full-price offer can satisfy a buyer, and close down other offers if they accept. Depending on the price range, you may have to come out the gate with an offer over asking price. This is a huge benefit during a seller’s market since bidding wars can turn into a real headache and heartbreak for buyers.

If You’re Looking for Homes for Sale In Lakeville, Give Me a Call Now

There’s no need to wait. Just because it’s a seller’s market doesn’t mean you have to delay buying your next home. I specialize in finding the best homes in Lakeville, no matter the market. I can help you navigate this seller’s market and advise you throughout the process. Don’t wait any longer to begin the process of finding your dream home. Give me a call now.

Image credit: BrianAJackson| iStock | Getty Images Plus