Whether You're Buying or Selling - Get Ready for a Hot Spring Market

Click here to perform a full home search, or if you're thinking of selling your home, click here for a FREE Home Price Evaluation so you know what buyers will pay for your home in today's market. You may also call me at (231) 856-4456 for a FREE home buying or selling consultation to answer any of your real estate questions.

With spring approaching here in the Belmont and Morley area, it's definitely time to start putting your real estate plans into action. Whether you're buying or selling, there are some things that you should know before you tackle either endeavor.

If You're a Buyer...

• Budget: Figure out what you can afford and what you're willing to spend. A property is only as valuable as what you make it out to be, so don't forget that there is room for negotiation with home prices.
  
• Form a Most-Wanted List: This is a very important thing you can do to simplify your home search. Create a list with 'must-have' items that you are not willing to compromise in your home search. Perhaps you absolutely need a backyard or a covered garage. If you know what you must have, then sorting through potential properties becomes much easier. Narrow down your search by listing at least 5 things you need, but don't add too many because the more you add the less likely you are to find a perfect property.

The most important thing you can do is to start looking now because the spring market is already here in Morley. With more competition you stand less of a chance to find your perfect home, so get out there and start looking because homes will be going fast.

If You're a Seller...

• If you're looking to sell you probably should have started preparing in January or February, but if you're now just deciding, then there are a few things you can do to catch up with the market.
• Renovations: Don't burn a hole in your wallet with repairs and renovations that buyers will not tangibly see. Spend your time and resources repainting or refurnishing your home. Worry less about your home's infrastructure and more about the exterior, which is what most buyers will be paying close attention to.
  
• Curb Appeal is also very important because it's what a buyer first judges about your home. Manicure your lawn, plant flowers, and even hire a landscaper if you need to.
• Price your Property Correctly: You will likely need the help of a professional like me to help price your property. Overpricing is a dangerous method and can actually cost you in the long run. Start softly to attract buyers and then make them fight for your property. This process will likely garner multiple offers which will get you a higher price for your home. 

These are some things just to keep in mind, although there are many different things you can do to prepare for buying or selling. The one thing to remember is that you're running out of time. Spring is rapidly approaching here in Michigan and the market is about to be saturated with buyers and sellers. Stay focused and have an idea of what you want before you enter the market.

If I can assist you in your buying or selling process, please contact me because I would be more than happy to help you. I can be reached at (231) 856-4456 or email me at mary@peacockteam.com