For homeowners in Summit County, spring is the perfect time to sell. Rising temperatures and sunny blue-sky days bring buyers out of hibernation. Odds are, these buyers have tirelessly researched throughout recent dreary winter months. Now, they are eager to purchase their dream home before the full-swing of summer and back to school days of fall.
Quite literally, purchasers are hitting the pavement. Saturdays and Sundays in Summit County draw weekend warriors up from the Front Range in droves. Interested buyers bounce from one open house to the next, sizing up their options. Based on current market trends, we know the selection of properties buyers are choosing from is quite limited.
Buyers today face the most interesting real estate market in years, a market which sellers should capitalize on. Mortgage interest rates are rising at a shocking speed, which creates a sense of urgency for buyers to “lock it in.”
Supply remains at an all-time low, and Colorado saw a 1.4% population increase last year. The inventory deficit will grow as the buyer demand continues to rise. Sellers should capitalize on the opportunity for higher sales premiums this spring, as homes secure full list price, or more.
Why To Gear Up For A Sale Now
Zillow, a real estate and rental marketplace, collects data on the best and most popular times of year to sell. Recent analyses show that nationwide, homes sold in first half of May reaped a higher sale price with a minimal time span on the market.
Denver statistics, the closest large market to Summit County, reveal the latter half of May is the best time to list and sell a home. Homes sold in this time period saw a higher average sales premium of 1.5%.
Also, potential home buyers are forced to remain on the search for longer periods of time due to historically low inventory. This further contributes to the competitive spring landscape and home buyers hoping to buy your property.
Enough about why you should sell your home this spring, here’s how you can prepare.
It’s All In The Details
If you are thinking large overhaul and renovation of your home by spring, odds are it’s too late for that. Not to fear, here are nine small, yet impactful ways to prepare your home for a sale!
Clean Up The Shrubbery
Winter may leave our plants, trees and bushes devoid of greenery but that doesn’t mean you should ignore the remnants! Clear out any dead branches that broke off trees under the weight of the season’s snowfall. For larger tree removal or landscaping, reach out to Breckenridge’s local arbor experts for guidelines and a job done right.
Add A Pop Of Color
We’ve just wrapped up a season of chilly days and April snowfall showers. Lift buyers’ spirits by staging the exterior of your home with freshly potted flowers. The color yellow is proven to stimulate buying urges, especially in window shoppers who have not quite decided what they want to buy. Purchase yellow tulips or daffodils from your local garden center or home improvement store to place at the entrance to your home. This is a surefire way to induce feelings of warmth and happiness within your potential buyer!
Wash Windows Inside and Out
Hire professional window cleaners to put the shine back on your winter worn windows! Ice, dirt and debris can be caked on after a long ski season which is a huge turn off for buyers. Spotless windows will make your home feel more inviting to potential home buyers. Open shades and sparkly clean windows will help your home literally shine among others on the market.
Clean Carpets
We’re not saying deep clean every room, nook and cranny of your home. Save the detail for the actual move-out! Experts do recommend a thorough cleaning of large area rugs. Especially in the mountain lifestyle, post ski and mud seasons see an accumulation of dirt, often deterring potential buyers.
Condense That Closet
Buyers love storage. Buyers can also be nosy. Meaning, some home seekers may peek in your closet or crawl spaces you thought were great for cramming what you forgot to take to the thrift store. A great rule of thumb is to empty out half your closet to increase the impression of a large storage space. Lastly, don’t forget about those cabinets as well!
Think Like A Buyer
When people come to tour your home, they want to envision their family in the space. Remove personal knick-knacks and clutter like family photos or memorabilia. A neutral environment will make it easier for buyers to see the space as their own. Consider boxing up your personal items in advance for your next move. You can also hire a professional home stager to help set up your home for a successful sale!
Maximize Accent Colors
Induce sentiments of warmth and contentment by introducing subtle accents. These could be sofa pillows, decorative flowers, towels or throws. For springtime listings, consider lighter colors like baby blue, soft pink, light yellow or lavender!
List Your Home On A Thursday
Nationwide, the best time to list your home on the market is toward the end of the week. Potential home buyers eagerly await the chance to tour homes in the coming weekend. Google and Zillow home searches see a spike in views Thursday - Sunday. Sellers can increase their chances of a fast sale if buyer interest is captured in this window.
Interview Local Agents
Choosing the right broker to list your home is the first step in a successful sale. You’ll want this person to have your best financial interests in mind and be a local market expert. It is important to have a positive working relationship with your agent as well, chemistry is key. For a springtime sale, we recommend that you find an agent now using these guidelines. The dozens of brokers on the Coldwell Banker Mountain Properties team are your experts when it comes to selling a home in Summit County. Visit our offices, send an email or give us a call to find the agent best for you!
By Coldwell Banker
