The Early Bird Gets the Worm: Why Now is the Time to Start Planning Your Spring Home Sale

Hey there, future home sellers! Katie here, and I've got a hot tip for you: if you're thinking about selling your home in the spring, the time to start planning is NOW. I know, I know, it might seem early, but trust me on this one. In my almost 20 years in real estate, I've learned that preparation equals success in this business. So, let's dive into why you should be thinking about your spring sale while everyone else is thinking about New Years Resolutions.

Why Start Now?

1. Beat the Rush: Come March, everyone and their brother will be thinking about selling. By starting now, you're ahead of the game.
2. Time is on Your Side: We've got months to get your home in tip-top shape without the stress of a looming deadline.
3. Strategic Timing: Early preparation allows us to watch the market and list at the perfect moment.
4. Tackle Big Projects: Some improvements take time. Starting now means you can handle them without rushing.

Step 1: Meet with a Realtor (That's Me!)

First things first, let's sit down and chat. Here's what we'll cover:

• Home Evaluation: I'll walk through your home and give you an honest assessment of its current value and potential.
• Market Analysis: We'll look at comparable homes in your area to start thinking about pricing strategy.
• Improvement Plan: Together, we'll identify which upgrades or repairs will give you the best return on investment.
• Timeline Creation: We'll map out a plan for the next few months to ensure everything gets done.

Remember, this initial meeting is all about strategizing. It's like game planning for the Super Bowl of home selling!

Step 2: Declutter Like a Pro

Alright, time for some tough love: we've got to declutter. I know it's not fun, but it's crucial. Here's why starting this process early is a game-changer:

• It Takes Time: Trust me, you have more stuff than you think. Starting now gives you months to sort through everything.
• Avoid Rushed Decisions: With time on your side, you can thoughtfully decide what to keep, donate, or sell.
• Storage Solutions: If you need to rent a storage unit or pod, you have time to research and budget for it.

Pro Tip: Start with one room at a time. Even just 15 minutes a day adds up over a few weeks!

Step 3: Identify Necessary Improvements

Now that we've decluttered, we can really see what needs work. Here's where that early start really pays off:

• Prioritize Projects: We'll make a list of all potential improvements and prioritize based on impact and budget.
• Get Quotes: For bigger projects, you have time to get multiple quotes and find the best contractors.
• DIY Opportunities: For smaller projects, you've got time to tackle them yourself on weekends.

Remember, not every improvement needs to be major. Sometimes a fresh coat of paint or updated hardware can make a big difference!

Step 4: Deep Clean and Maintain

With the big stuff out of the way, it's time to deep clean:

• Room by Room: Take it slow. Deep clean one room each week.
• Often Overlooked Areas: Don't forget baseboards, light fixtures, and windows!
• Maintain as You Go: Once a room is clean, keep it that way. It'll save you stress later.

Step 5: Start Staging

Yes, we're thinking about staging already! Here's why:

• Furniture Assessment: Decide what pieces showcase your home best. You might need to store or replace some items.
• Neutral Decor: Slowly start replacing personal items with more neutral decor. This helps buyers envision themselves in the space.
• Curb Appeal: Plan your spring landscaping now. Order any plants or materials you'll need.

NOTE: We excel here, so don't get ahead of yourself. Lean on us!

The Katie Corcoran Realty & Co Advantage

Now, I've got to toot my own horn for a second. At Katie Corcoran Realty & Co, we've got a secret weapon: our own staging warehouse. This means we can either fully stage your empty home or add key pieces to your existing furniture to make your space look its absolute best. And because we're planning early, we'll have plenty of time to select the perfect pieces for your home.

Why This Early Start Matters

Here's the real kicker: by doing all this prep work now, we're setting ourselves up for perfect timing. We'll be ready to list the moment the market is right. And in real estate, timing is everything.

In the North Shore market (which, by the way, is one of the most challenging in Milwaukee), being able to list at the right moment can make a huge difference. We might be able to list in January or February when there's less competition but plenty of eager buyers. Or, if the market suggests waiting, we'll be ready to hit the ground running in March or April.

Wrapping Up

So there you have it, folks. Starting your spring home sale prep now isn't just about getting ahead—it's about setting yourself up for success. It's about having the time to make thoughtful decisions, tackle improvements without rushing, and be ready to seize the perfect moment to sell.

Remember, in real estate, the early bird doesn't just get the worm—it often gets the best sale price too. So, are you ready to get started? Give me a call at Katie Corcoran Realty & Co, and let's begin planning your spectacularly successful spring home sale!