Selling your home during the spring market can feel daunting. If you have a plan and strategy informed by the current market, you’ll be able to create peace of mind—and excitement—around selling your home. Keep reading to learn our top 5 tips for making the most of your time in-market.
1. Partner with the right realtor
This is the most important step you’ll take. Ask these important questions before deciding to work with an agent:
- How much business does the agent do in the area?
- Does the agent have experience with this specific property type?
- Does the agent have a network of industry professionals/vendors/service providers?
- Are they compatible with your personality?
- Can they show a track record of previous sales?
You’re trusting a realtor with what’s likely one of your largest assets, so while this is not a comprehensive list of questions you can ask, it is a good place to start to ensure you’re working with the right person.
2. Watch market trends
This is important for two reasons.
1. You need to know what current buyer preferences are, from aesthetic style to most desirable features.
2. You need to know what the housing activity is like; what are the average sale prices? How long are homes taking to sell?
Your agent should be able to provide real time data about the current market, explain what the conditions mean for your property, and show how you can use this information to better position your listing.
3. Refresh your home with staging
After choosing the right realtor, staging tops the charts as one of the most important aspects of a successful home sale. However minor or extensive the application may be, staging is proven to help houses sell faster and for more money across markets.
Spruce up the exterior:
- curb appeal goes a long way as it is buyers’ first impression
- Keep up with general maintenance: whether it’s clearing walkways/driveways/porches, trimming foliage or mowing lawns, cleaning eavestroughs, etc.
- Install walkway lights
- Add a seasonal door wreath
- Stage outdoor spaces to showcase the property’s lifestyle potential
Update the interior:
- Keep the temperature warm if it’s cold outside, and cool if it’s warm outside so buyers feel comfortable as soon as they walk in
- Opt for scented candles to create a cozy feel
- Make use of natural light and open windows to invite the breeze
- Opt for bright/light, but neutral paint colours
- Choose minimalist or lightweight furniture to create an airy atmosphere
- Complete any repairs or upgrades that will help your home stand out to buyers
4. Be prepared to buy your next home
Spring market is generally characterized by high activity, which means homes sell fast and oftentimes for over the asking price.
While preparing your house for sale, you should also prepare to buy your next home before your current home is sold—or at least have living arrangements in place so you have a smooth transition after you sell your property.
If you want to move right into your next home, start planning your purchase strategy early; your realtor will be able to help you manage both these transactions simultaneously so you have peace of mind.
5. Mentally and emotionally prepare for a busy time
While your realtor will help you manage and facilitate all the tasks, selling your home in the spring market in Toronto undoubtedly comes with a certain level of apprehension and the potential for overwhelm.
Having to live through showings, staging, and repairs/renos/upgrades while closing a chapter of your life spent in your home will always be a lot to handle. But you can minimize any confusion or negative experiences by being prepared. Understand the venture you’re taking on (and what that really entails), the market you’re entering into, and have a solid plan—and stick to it.
With a solid strategy, selling your home in the spring market in Toronto can be simple and straightforward. Follow these 5 tips to prepare your home and yourself for a successful sale that delivers results.
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