We have three offers in just one week since you staged the space, a recent homeowner shouted with excitement over the phone. Their Realtor believes the newly staged photos of the home, which led dozens of potential buyers to the open house, started the bidding war. The homeowner, who was eagerly thanking us for helping her, thought she’d be on the market throughout the summer, since she had no luck selling last year. But despite sunny skies, record breaking temperatures and sizzling city streets that usually force people to take a break and seek shelter at their nearest beach or pool, it’s not stopping buyers on their hunt for a new home.
The real estate market is heating up this summer and it’s a great time to be in a position to sell now, while lack of inventory continues to drive up prices. The market demand is the highest its been in years and supply is the lowest New York City has seen in decades, according to some real estate experts, but is the tide turning?
Those homeowners who failed to sell their homes during the downturn of the market over the past three years are starting to dip their toes in the water. The Report, by Elliman’s Hoffman Meier Team explains, “22,091 properties had come of the market unsold in that time period and now many of these homes are highly sellable in today’s market.” This suggests the market could become saturated in the coming months with not only those homes, but with new developments finalizing construction plans.
So, for the serious seller juggling their time between enjoying the warm weather, vacationing, dealing with the kids and scheduling showings here are some outdoor and indoor tips to keep your home in showcase condition.
Best In Bloom Yards
1. Curb appeal is what will lure buyers inside. If you have a front yard make sure your door stands out with a colorful coat of paint. Plant flowers with contrasting colors and make sure to add a decorative wreath and new welcome mat to greet buyers
2. Create some entertaining space. Think summer BBQ, dining table or a place to relax and catch some rays with a book. Make sure to dress up the space with airy table linens and pops of color to draw the buyer’s eye to the space
3. Spring for a water feature. The sound of water is calming and can be a way to drain out any unwanted neighborhood sounds.
4. Speaking of water, make sure to keep your lawn and flowers watered, so they stay green and look healthy. A well-kept landscape tips off buyers that the entire home is well maintained.
5. Prep the deck or patio. This is a positive feature when selling your home and make sure you show it that way. Fix any minor repairs that are needed, like cracks in the concrete or re-staining the deck
6. Clean Up. Your outdoor space should be cleaned at least once a year with a power washer to remove any dirt, dust off overhangs and clean cobs webs.
Summer Indoors
1. Keep window coverings open to help your home show bright and airy.
2. Keep the air conditioning on when you know buyers are on their way. If the house is at a comfortable temperature, buyers will linger. Being too hot will make potential buyers want to seek relief.
3. Swap out fall decor for summer items. Use bright or airy colors in décor, like yellow. Use patterns, fabric and textured accessories for a complete look. Put away heavy blankets, drapery and other items that remind you of winter. Dress your walls with pictures of fun summertime activities.
4. Bring in nature with summer flowers and beach finds to place around the home and instantly bring your home up to date. Neutral earthy tones are desirable, as well as wood, soft oak, beech or birch. Soft textures like suede will probably be popular as well. If you wish to accessorize the earthy tones, do it with leaf elements and forest accessories, providing a rustic feel.
5. Paint Colors. If you have dark colors on your walls in the main rooms of your home, paint them a neutral color to lighten and brighten the space.
6. Have your windows cleaned professionally. This usually costs a few hundred dollars, but can make all the difference. Clean windows will actually bring in more sunlight.
7. Get rid of clutter. Store away items in a garage or a storage unit that you won’t be using in the next few months.
Remember now is the time to sell, there is limited competition on the market and it seems everyone is looking for a home. Make sure to use these tips to sell faster and for maximum dollar.
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