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Spring is a great time to sell your home! Here’s why.
Why is spring a great time to sell?
Being outside is more appealing.
When spring time comes around, it often feels like we are getting a new start. It also can help pull some of us out of the ol winter blues. The weather is getting warmer, the grass is getting greener, flowers are blooming, and people tend to get out and about more. Another plus is that your marketing photos will be more colorful and alive than those drab winter ones. If you are considering selling your home in the Spring, it can be quite exciting to think of selling your home, finding a new one, and possibly settling in by Fall.
The timing.
Spring is a great time to sell your home because of landscaping options, more daylight hours, tax returns, timing of school schedules, market activity, and inventory. Spring brings milder weather and more daylight, which, in turn, makes it more encouraging for people to go out and explore properties. Clear blue skies and everything starting to come alive, can make your property look more appealing…boosting that curb appeal. The timing with school is huge, especially in a college town. Families with children typically prefer to move while schools are out as that is one less thing to have to worry about and work around. New college students and incoming Faculty is also a big push in our market. Another reason Spring is a good time to sell your home is that many people receive their tax refunds, thus proving them with extra funds for a down payment or closing costs.
Not sure how to get started?
Please note that of all of the tips above, this one is very important and highly recommended; find yourself a skilled and knowledgeable agent. (We can help with that!) Having a Realtor® on your side helps with the following:
- Minimizes the stress involved with paperwork and legalities involved
- making sure your best interests are covered
- schedule showings
- negotiation (huge!)
- They know how to price your home correctly
- price it right the first time
- stay competitive
- They know their market
- Advises on staging, curb appeal, and decluttering
- Provide recommendations for maintenance workers and contractors
- will put your home on the Multiple Listing Service (MLS)
The real estate market tends to pick up in the spring with more listings and buyers entering the market. That increase in activity can create a sense of urgency, leading to faster sales and potentially better offers for the sellers. This is why spring is a great time to sell your home.
Reasons you should host an Open House
~Reasons you should host an Open House~
One might ask, are open houses even beneficial? The short and simple answer to this question is, yes! As the old saying goes, a picture is worth a thousand words…however, seeing your potential future home in person is unparallelled. To dive in a little deeper, there are several reasons why you should host an open house and the reasons they are beneficial.
- Exposure
- Open houses provide an opportunity for a large number of potential buyers to view the property at once.
- This exposure can increase the chances of finding a suitable buyer quickly.
- Feedback
- Open houses allow sellers to gather feedback from visitors about the property.
- This feedback can be valuable in understanding what aspects of the property are appealing and what might need improvement.
- Serious Buyers
- While some visitors may be casual browsers, open houses often attract serious buyers who are actively looking for a property.
- This can lead to more promising leads and potentially faster sales.
- Networking
- Open houses can be an opportunity for real estate agents to network with potential buyers and other agents.
- This networking can lead to future collaborations and referrals.
- Competitive Advantage
- Hosting an open house can give a property a competitive advantage in the market.
- It signals to potential buyers that the seller is motivated and proactive about selling the property.
- Convenience
- Open houses provide a convenient way for buyers to view multiple properties in a short amount of time.
- This can be especially beneficial for out-of-town buyers or those with busy schedules.
- Marketing Opportunity
- Open houses serve as a marketing opportunity for the property.
- They can be advertised through various channels, attracting attention from a wider audience and potentially driving up interest in the property.
A few tips for success when showcasing a property with an open house:
- Curb appeal
- Ensure a well-maintained exterior
- Declutter
- Remove personal items to allow buyers to visualize the space
- Deep Clean
- Pay attention to details for a sparking home, such as baseboards and fan blades
- Natural light
- Open curtains for a bright, inviting atmosphere
- Hospitatily
- Open refreshments and information to keep visitors engaged.
- People also love bite sized cookies and glossy flyers they can take with them to refer back.
Implementing these strategies have helped in previous transactions to attract potential buyers and facilitate a faster sale. Overall, while open houses may not always result in an immediate sale, they can be a valuable tool in the marketing and selling process of a property.
How Much is my Home Worth?
Do you ask yourself frequently “How much is my home worth?” Knowing the value of your home is essential, whether you’re considering selling, refinancing, or just curious about its current market worth. If you wonder how much your home is worth, here are a few methods to help you find your answer:
- Online Valuation Tools: Numerous websites and platforms offer free online home valuation tools. Popular ones include ERA.com Zillow, Redfin, and Realtor.com. These tools provide estimated home values based on publicly available data and other factors. While they can provide a rough estimate, they may not be entirely accurate and further research is always recommended.
- Hire a Professional Appraiser: Hiring a certified appraiser is one of the most accurate ways to determine your home’s value. Appraisers are trained to assess a property’s condition, features, and its comps in your area. They provide a detailed and unbiased valuation report. The cost of this service varies among appraisers, but typically ranges from $500-1000. Many banks require a certified appraisal for loans and refinances.
- Consult an ERA Real Estate Agent: ERA Real estate agents are familiar with local market conditions and can provide you with a Comparative Market Analysis (CMA). This report includes recent sales of similar properties in your area, helping you understand your home’s value. The best part of going this route, is there is no fee for this service. ERA Agents are always happy to give you an estimated value on your home. This opinion on price cannot be used for financing but can give you a good idea of what your home is worth.
- Online Real Estate Listings: Browse online real estate listings in your area to see the prices of similar homes. This can give you a rough idea of what similar properties are selling for.
- Attend Open Houses: Visiting open houses for properties similar to yours can help you gauge the condition and features of those homes and compare them to your own.
- Local Tax Assessment Office: You can contact your local tax assessment office to find out the assessed value of your property. Keep in mind that this value might not always align with market value. Mississippi does not require Sellers to disclose what a home sold for, so this is not always an accurate approach, but it can give you a good idea of approximate sales prices in your area.
- Home Improvement Appraisal: If you’ve made significant improvements to your home, such as adding a new bathroom or renovating the kitchen, consider getting an appraisal specifically for those improvements. This can add value to your property.
- Keep Up with the Local Market: Stay informed about the local real estate market by reading local news, attending real estate seminars, or following real estate trends in your area. The EASIEST way to do this is to subscribe to ERA’s Neighborhood News monthly newsletter. Once a month you will get sales data on what homes have sold for near you. Contact one of ERA Town & Campus Realty’s agents today and subscribe to keep up with this valuable information.
Remember that the value of your home can fluctuate over time due to various factors, including market conditions, economic factors, and changes to your property. For the most accurate assessment, consider a combination of these methods and consult with a professional appraiser or real estate agent.
Find the Best Realtor Near Me!
Finding the best realtor near you is crucial when buying or selling a home. A skilled and reputable realtor can help you navigate the complex real estate market in Starkville, MS and ensure a smooth transaction. Here are some tips to help you find the best realtor in the Starkville area:
- Ask for Recommendations:
- Seek recommendations from friends, family, and colleagues who have recently bought or sold property in Starkville. Personal referrals are often the most reliable.
- Online Research:
- Use online platforms like ERA’s website, social media, and review public sites to research Starkville realtors. Pay attention to reviews and ratings from past clients.
- Local Real Estate Associations:
- Check with your local real estate association or board for a list of licensed realtors in your area. They often have directories and can provide information on disciplinary actions, if any.
- Interview Multiple Realtors:
- Don’t settle for the first realtor you find. Interview several candidates to gauge their expertise, personality, and how well they understand your needs. Want a list of experienced Realtors? Visit our online directory!
- Check Credentials:
- Verify the realtor’s credentials, including their license, certifications, and professional memberships. These can indicate their commitment to ethical and professional standards.
- Experience Matters:
- Look for realtors with a track record of successful transactions in the Starkville area. Experience can be a valuable asset when negotiating deals and navigating local markets. ERA agents have over 150 years of combined experience.
- Local Market Knowledge:
- Choose a realtor who has in-depth knowledge of your target neighborhood. They should be aware of local trends, pricing, and the unique characteristics of the area.
- Communication Skills:
- Effective communication is essential. Ensure the realtor is responsive, accessible, and communicates clearly. They should keep you informed throughout the process.
- Marketing Strategy:
- If you’re selling a property, inquire about the realtor’s marketing plan. They should have a strong online presence and use various marketing channels to promote your property.
- References:
- Ask for references from past clients. Talking to people who have worked with the realtor can provide valuable insights into their professionalism and effectiveness.
- Fees and Commission:
- Clarify the realtor’s fees and commission structure upfront. Make sure you understand how and when they will be compensated.
- Gut Feeling:
- Trust your instincts. Your comfort and rapport with the realtor are important, as you’ll be working closely together during the buying or selling process.
- Legal Protections:
- Ensure the realtor adheres to all legal and ethical standards. Check for any past legal issues or disciplinary actions.
- Compare and Contrast:
- Create a list of potential realtors and compare their qualifications, references, and proposed strategies before making a final decision.
- Contract Agreement:
- Once you’ve selected a realtor, carefully review the contract agreement. Make sure all terms and conditions are clear and agreeable before signing.
Remember that the best realtor for you may not be the same as the best realtor for someone else. Your specific needs, preferences, and the local market conditions will all play a role in determining the right fit. Take your time and do your due diligence to find the realtor who is the best match for your real estate goals.
