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Health & Fitness

Springing into the 2012 Housing Market

Lexington realtor Kristin Brown-Orr discusses how sellers can take advantage of this spring's real estate market.

The spring market is here, and in order to heighten your chances to close the sale of your home the following pointers should not be ignored.

A major part of your plan should be staging your home effectively. There are plenty of easy ways to get this job done, here are just a few.

  1. Focus on curb appeal. Whenever you are trying to sell a home this should be top priority. No one wants to pull up to a house that looks uncared for. In fact, cosmetic issues often indicate an overall lack of care (and value). Early Spring can be tough for curb appeal since landscape can be sparse. A great solution to heighten your curb appeal is dressing up the walk way or front steps with colorful potted plants or even purchasing a couple of rocking chairs for your front porch. 
  2. Add subtle decoration to highlight selling features, but don’t go overboard. It’s tempting to want all the decorations you see in the stores but they’re not going to sell your house. Keep decorations neutral and to a minimum because they can clutter your space and distract buyers.
  3. Focus on comfort. Spring brings refreshing breezes we’ve been waiting for all winter. As long as it’s warm enough, open the windows and let natural light and air filter through your home. Offer buyers coffee and other refreshments, this will make your home smell good and resonate in the minds of buyers.
  4. Brighten up the home. Of course, the days get longer as we head into summer, meaning chances are greater that your showing will occur with increased natural light. Professional home stagers usually strip windows of all curtains in order to make windows seem as large as possible while also maximizing the natural light available. You always want to make sure your home feels bright and inviting.
  5. Pack away personal items. Make sure that no matter what room a potential buyer views that they can picture themselves living in it. Put away photographs, collections, and refrigerator art work in order for buyers to focus on what their life could be like there rather than what the home means to your family.

Stage your home well and price it correctly in order to have it sold before the summer heat swells. 

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