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THE SECRET TO SELLING THIS SPRING: START THE PREP WORK NOW

By
Real Estate Agent with One Sothebys International Realty



Spring is the busiest season in the housing market. It’s the time of year when buyers are most active – that means it’s when homes sell faster and for top dollar. If you’ve already got a move on your mind, why not list this spring and take advantage of the added buyer demand?

Since spring is just around the corner, now’s the time to start getting your house market-ready. You’ve got just over a month to do the prep work. And while that may sound like a decent amount of time, it’s going to go by quickly. And you won’t want to rush through this important task – especially this year.

The Right Repairs Will Matter More This Spring

Right now, two things are true. There are more homes on the market than there have been in years. And buyers are being extra selective. That combination means you need to invest some time and effort in making strategic repairs. And many homeowners already have a jump on this work.

In the 2025 Outlook for Home Remodeling, Carlos Martin, Director of the Remodeling Futures Program at the Joint Center for Housing Studies of Harvard Universityexplains:

“. . . homeowners are slowly but surely expanding the pace and scope of projects compared to the last couple years.”

And the most common projects they’re tackling are replacing water heaters, HVAC units, and flooring. Energy efficiency is a key consideration too, based on home improvement data from the Census.

What To Prioritize as You Plan Ahead

But just because that’s what other homeowners are doing, it doesn’t mean that’s what you have to tackle. Think about what you’d want to see if you were a buyer. Focus on quick wins that are easy to knock out with the time you have – but, don’t ignore key repairs, especially ones you think could turn off buyers.

While big-ticket items like replacing an old roof or outdated flooring may seem daunting, they can pay off – especially if you focus on projects with the best return on investment (ROI).

An agent’s expertise is key in narrowing down your list to what’s actually worth it. They know what buyers in your area want and they also have data like this report from Zonda to guide you on which updates have the best ROI (see green in the graph below):

a graph of blue and green barsThat’s why it’s so important to talk to a local real estate agent before you dive into any repairs. Bankrate puts it best:

“As a seller, it’s smart to be prepared and control whatever factors you’re able to. Things like hiring a great real estate agent and maximizing your home’s online appeal can translate into a smoother sale — and more money in the bank.”

It’s not too early to partner with an agent. By starting now, you’ve still got time to space out the work and find any contractors you need to get the job done. If you wait until spring to roll up your sleeves, you risk running out of time – and that means your house may be overshadowed by others who are more buyer-ready.

Bottom Line

If you’re planning to sell this spring, it’s time to start tackling your to-do list. But, before you get started, let’s connect. That way you can make sure you’re spending your time and budget on projects that’ll pay off in the long run.

Send me a list of what’s on your to-do list, and we can prioritize them together.

Posted by

 Your blingual residential real estate guide. Certified Probate Real Estate Specialist (CPRES) and Certified Distressed Property Expert (CDPE).  Serving Pembroke Pines, Fl.  and surrounding communities.   


Dalia Kibby, PA
  Direct 954-610-7864| email me
website www.daliasellshomes.com | search for homes

 

If you are Buying, Selling or Relocating to the South FLorida area and need help from a professional REALTOR®, I would be happy to assist you! I also work with  estate Executers, Personal Representatives and Administrators .     Please visit my website for property searches, to sign up for free listing alerts and other information.   

 

Comments(5)

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Mike McCann Broker - Mach1 Realty
Mike McCann - Broker, Mach1 Realty Broker-Auctioneer Serving Nebraska - Kearney, NE
ALL Types of Property For Sale 308-627-3700

Excellent advice!  I agree with you that now is the time to start the repairs and absolutely fix it so it would appeal to the seller if they were buying...  thank you for sharing your knowledge!

Feb 16, 2025 06:52 PM
John Pusa
Glendale, CA

Hello DALIA KIBBY very valuable educational report for the secret to selling this Spring.

Feb 16, 2025 08:18 PM
Richard Weeks
Dallas, TX
REALTOR®, Broker
Great information, thanks for sharing.  I hope you have a great day.
Feb 17, 2025 04:04 AM
Wayne Martin
Wayne M Martin - Oswego, IL
Real Estate Broker - Retired

Good morning Dalia. You nailed it. Start the process now working from the inside out. By the time you are ready to move your efforts outside, the weather may cooperate. Enjoy your day. 

Feb 17, 2025 05:15 AM
Michael Jacobs
Pasadena, CA
Pasadena And Southern California 818.516.4393

Hello Dalia - regardless of when a homeowner considers selling, upfront preparation can help the process be a bit more organized.  Of course, things can go amiss but a good plan can come in quite handy.  

Feb 17, 2025 07:52 AM