6 Secrets to Selling Your Home in the Coming Year

Start doing these six things now to sell your home this coming year.

While it may not feel like it yet, the spring selling season will be here before you know it. The work you do now in preparation can make a huge difference when the time comes to attract the right home buyer. Here are six tips for selling your home to get you started and help you prepare for real estate success this coming year.

Put a Spring in Your Step with 6 Home Selling Tips

The beginning of the year is an excellent time to sell a house--especially once the winter weather starts to give way to the spring flowers. If you want to make the most of the upcoming selling season, then the best thing you can do is to start making your preparations today. 

1. Create Curb Appeal – You want potential buyers to be impressed from the moment they pull up to your house. Make sure that your yard is clean, your lawn is healthy and the front entrance to your home has a fresh coat of paint. During the spring, adding some attractive, colorful plants is a great way to boost curb appeal.
   
   
2. Downsized Decorating – While a bit of decorating is fine when your home is for sale, it's generally better to go for a more minimalist touch. Buyers want to be able to project what their life will be like in your home and that's easier to do when you give them a blank slate to work with.
   
   
3. Targeted Upgrades – You can improve the marketability of your home without making major renovations if you know where to look. It's never a bad idea to focus on the kitchen and bathroom when making minor upgrades because they are often the first places a buyer looks when deciding if they're interested in your home.
   
   
4. Setting a Realistic Price – Your real estate agent can provide you with a local real estate market analysis to help you determine the listing price for your home. The most important thing is to be realistic when setting a price – low enough to avoid scaring off potential suitors, but high enough to get you a solid return on your investment. Your agent can help you strike that balance.
   
   
5. Simply Social – Social media sites like Facebook are a great way to spread the word that your home is for sale. Friends and family will often be happy to share your listing with any house hunters they know, and it only takes a few moments to post your listing on your social pages. Best of all, it doesn't cost you a dime.
   
   
6. Sell Your Neighborhood – Whether you've lived there for decades or it's just been a temporary stop, it's a good idea to learn everything you can about your neighborhood when selling your home. That knowledge will allow you to accentuate the positives of your neighborhood and provide quick, clear answers to questions from buyers.

Selling your home is all about preparation, and there's no better time to get started. Follow our six home selling tips to hit the ground running, and be sure to lean on the expertise of your real estate agent whenever you're in need of advice. 

• Storage Solutions for Homes Without Large Closets
• Planning a Backyard Space for Entertaining
• Easy Ways to Reduce Household Noise Between Rooms
• How to Create a Functional Mudroom in Any Home
• Simple Upgrades That Make Your Home More Energy Efficient
• Smart Ways to Improve Indoor Air Quality at Home
• Spring Décor Updates to Brighten Your Home
• Simple Daily Habits to Maintain a Cleaner Home
• Don't Let Winter Win: How to Freeze-Proof Your Garage
• How to Extend the Life of Your Water Heater

• Winterproofing Windows and Doors: A Guide to Keeping the Cold Out
• How to Future-Proof Your Home for Changing Needs

• What Happens Between Offer Acceptance and Closing
• What First-Time Buyers Should Know About Property Surveys
• How to Spot Renovations Done Without Permits
• What to Know About Homeowners Associations Before You Buy
• Touring Homes With a Critical Eye: What Buyers Often Miss
• How to Evaluate a Neighborhood During Different Times of Day
• The Best Home Styles for Enjoying Spring Weather
• What to Do the First Week in Your New Home
• What to Know About Using Gifted Funds for a Down Payment
• What to Know About Using Gifted Funds for a Down Payment

• How to Research Crime and Safety
• What Buyers Need to Know About Home Warranties

• How to Prepare Your Home for Last-Minute Showings
• When a Price Reduction Can Help Restart Buyer Interest
• How Professional Photography Impacts Online Listing Views
• The Hidden Costs Sellers Should Plan For
• What Sellers Should Know About Appraisal Gaps
• How to Prepare Your Home for a Competitive Offer Situation
• Packing Tips for Sellers: Preparing for a Spring Move
• What to Store, Donate, or Toss Before Listing
• What Buyers Notice First in Listing Photos
• How Spring Sellers Can Enter The Market With Confidence

• Tax Considerations Home Sellers Should Know About
• The One-Room-at-a-Time Spring Prep Strategy