New year. New home? If you plan on selling your Westfield area home in 2022, you should start focusing on the tasks required to make it happen. The sooner you create a plan of attack, the easier selling your home becomes in the new year.
Selling Your Home in 2022
Set a Target Date
March through May tend to be the best times to list your home on the Westfield market. That is when more buyers go out looking for a new home. Why? Nice weather makes it easier to navigate their way to a showing. Plus, this allows families time to close and move during the summer, when school closes. Once you set your target listing date, create your list of tasks that must be completed beforehand. Then, set deadlines for which each task must be finished.
Interview REALTORS®
Next, you need to find a REALTOR®. You need someone with extensive experience in the Westfield/Cranford/Scotch Plains marketplace. Talk to several prospects. Each REALTOR® brings something different to the table in terms of communication, marketing, experience, etc. This will most likely be one of the biggest financial decisions you make in your life. You want to work with someone that makes you feel comfortable. That may mean meeting with several prospects before you find "the one".
Make Repairs No Matter How Small
Before selling your home, take a walk around your property both inside and out. Use a "buyer's eye" to make an honest assessment of your house. What condition is the paint in? Does the carpet need replacing? Are there stains on the walls? Does the doorbell work? Is the doorknob loose? Are any bulbs burned out? If you were considering buying this property, what negative things would stand out to you? Fix them. If you expect to receive top dollar for your Westfield area home, you need to make sure it looks spectacular.
Perform a Deep Cleaning
Buyers look at everything when they view a home. This includes opening up cupboards, closets, the oven, and even the refrigerator if you include it in the listing. So, mop the floors. Steam clean the carpets. Clean out the refrigerator, freezer, and stove. Make the inside of your microwave glisten. Clean the windows until they sparkle. Remove any stains from the toilets, showers, sinks, and tubs. Keep kitchen counters clear of any clutter. Pack up personal nick-nacks and mementos. Remove one-half of the clothes from your closet to showcase the space the closet offers. Put your garage in order, too.
Improve Your Curb Appeal
You only have one chance to make a first impression. So, make sure that impression is a good one by focusing on improving your curb appeal where needed. Get rid of weeds and debris. Trim your trees and shrubbery. Paint the front door, if needed. Make sure all exterior lights work properly. Update the fixtures. Keep tools, toys, and trash bins out of sight. Always make sure to maintain a clear walkway from the street to your front door.
Home Staging
Finally, stage each room. Studies show that staged homes spend less time on the market and sell for more money. If possible, hire a professional. They know how to highlight the positives and minimize the negatives. Your REALTOR® may be able to suggest someone. If you decide to stage it on your own, minimize the number of large furniture pieces in each room to make the rooms appear larger. Replace heavy drapes with sheer panels to allow natural light to shine in. Paint walls in a neutral color. Make your bathrooms appear more spa-like and serene with crisp white plush towels and a nice new bath rug. You want potential buyers to see themselves living in the space.
If one of your new year's resolutions includes selling your home in 2022, use these tips to make it happen. Feel free to contact me when you are ready to put your Westfield area home on the market.
FEATURED WESTFIELD AREA HOME FOR SALE
Scott Gleason, CRS at Coldwell Banker Realty – East, NJ Luxury Homes
Originally posted on my Westfield area luxury real estate blog here: https://www.luxuryhomesnj.com/westfield-seller-tips/selling-your-home-2022/.
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