Preparing Your Las Cruces Home for the Spring Market
The Spring selling season in Las Cruces is upon us and with interest rates still relatively low, you can bet savvy home-buyers will be out in full force. Most will be viewing well-priced, well-cared-for properties on one of the many home-search sites from their computer or mobile devise. 
You will want to list your home within Market Value in order to compete with other homes in your area. Your REALTOR will prepare a CMA, Comparative Market Analysis on your home and suggest a List Price or List Price Range.
Listings with clear, professional photographs usually garner more attention and spark that all important phone call to a real estate professional for showings. But, although professional photographs are a must, if the listing isn't in tip-top shape, the buyer may choose to pass it over in favor of a home that looks clean and organized.
In some cases, it may be a great idea to have a pre-home inspection before you place your home on the market. This way, you pretty much know what a buyer's inspector might find. Often times, the fix is cheaper than what the buyer might ask for in concessions with regards to any repairs. Plus, it gives the seller peace of mind when it comes down to the inspection and negotiations part of your contract.
7 Steps to Preparing Your Las Cruces Home for the Market:
1) Make repairs to the property. Make a list of all of those "honey-dos" that have been put on the back burner and get your toolbox out. You know what I'm talking about, broken bathroom drawer and loose kitchen cabinet door.
2) Paint. Your home may be in need of a fresh coat of paint. Whether it is the trim on the exterior or the soot above the stove from that grease fire a few years back. This step will make a huge difference in how potential buyers view your home's value.
3) Clean. Clean. Clean. No, I don't mean the normal wipe-down-the-kitchen- counters-clean. I'm talking CLEAN. Baseboards, light switches, windows, cabinet doors, carpets. You get the picture. In some cases, a professional cleaning service will go a long way.
4) De-Clutter. Stage your home by removing clutter and personal items. Buyers will have an easier time picturing their stuff in your home and will likely be distracted by your collection of beer steins from around the world. I always suggest sellers get boxes and bubble wrap and have a packing party. At that packing party, you and your family and friends are going to "edit" your nicknacks by packing them away and store them until it is time for you to move. Your home will show MUCH better, trust me.
5) Landscaping. Curb appeal is VERY crucial and should never be overlooked. Make sure you rake up any leaves, trim trees and shrubs and remove yard debris.
6) Lock up valuables and prescriptions. PLEASE make sure that medications and valuables are locked up safely during showings. Although REALTORS are trained to keep an eye on folks of which they are showing a house, you never know. Better safe than sorry, I say.
7) Keep things neat and tidy. You never know when a REALTOR will call to want to show your home. Just get in the habit of making everyone pick up and put away each and every morning. Remember, you only get one chance to make a good first impression!
Happy Selling!
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