Spring is one of the busiest times in real estate and while there is still a little bit of snow on the ground, the peak of this season will be here before we know it! That's why if you are planning to sell your home in this market, it's important to start prepping now. We've gathered together the most effective ways to prepare your home in order to maximize its value and make a great impression on potential buyers!

1. Organize & Declutter

Clutter detracts a buyer from really seeing your home, and stands out in our high-definition photos. "Less is (almost always) more" in real estate. Empty surfaces, organize closets, and pack away the things you don't need everyday. Move around misplaced furniture.

2. Curb Appeal

First impressions are everything, so don't forget about the exterior! This includes lawn clean up and landscaping -- A little mulch and fresh flowers can go a long way. Other small changes that could make a huge difference are fresh paint on a stairway or front door.

3. Clean

Clean, clean, clean! Your home should be so spotless buyers wonder if you are even living there. Deep clean appliances and surfaces throughout, dust, and do your best to eliminate any signs of pets.

4. Depersonalize

Go through and remove any personal items-- We want the buyers to see the home as a fresh slate and be able to envision themselves in the home. This includes toys, family photos, wedding decor, and niche artwork.

5. Freshen & Paint

A fresh coat of paint does wonders! New white paint on trim and neutral colors throughout. Everyone has different tastes and too dark or too bright colors often will stand out in photos or downplay a room.

6. Repair & Renovate

If there are small repairs on your to-do list, it's usually best to do them prior to listing for sale. In some cases, renovations can help-- Some easier, cost-effective ways to refresh spaces include new flooring or lighting.

7. Staging Consult

We will always do a full walk-through of your home with you and help advise on furniture placement, de-cluttering and what changes you can do on your own to improve the look and aesthetic of the home. But in some cases, we may bring in one of our professional stagers who will put together an itemized list of recommended tips to stage your home yourself or a proposal to have the home entirely staged (mostly in vacant homes).

8. Inspection Consult

In older homes, sometimes it is better to uncover any large issues and address prior to listing. These could be problems with plumbing/heating, mold, electrical or structural issues. A contractor will do an informal walk-through and just point out any major items he may notice. There are pros and cons to this and only recommended in some cases and certain markets.