Plan Your Spring Sales with an agent from Starr Real Estate!
#spring2021 #springsale #springiscoming #springwithstarrrealestate #springsales #pricereduction #starrrealestatemuncie #aprilshowersbringspringsales #marchformorerealesate #marchforspringsales #daysofsunshineandsales
The first day of spring is one week away, and one week is plenty of time to prep your materials for picking the perfect house to call your new home.
The reasons why we get this surge of energy to start fixing things and start spending time on projects we probably won’t finish around this time of year should be obvious. The extra hours of sunshine feels like we’ve injected serotonin into our veins; we feel motivated, we hear birds chirping outside of our windows and we want to be productive. We step outside and the world has color and light. Life feels less stuffy and stale, and we tend to crave something refreshing, something new.
After the anniversary of the beginning of the pandemic last spring, the uncertainty of what was to come in the following months stole the spotlight and enjoyment of what Spring was always meant to be. This year, the weather broke early and even on the rainiest days, it seems like the worst storms have passed.
Now, here at Starr Real Estate, we want to prepare our readers and clients on what to expect in the real estate market for 2021.
-Many experts are predicting another strong housing market in 2021. They are forecasting increased demand from buyers who delayed purchasing homes because of the pandemic; from existing homeowners who need larger spaces to accommodate parents working from home and children attending school virtually; and from condo owners who are seeking to escape multifamily buildings for single-family houses to mitigate exposure to the virus. The ability to tour homes and close on purchases virtually has already made buying and selling a home simpler in 2021.
-Mortgage rates remain near record lows, with the average 30-year fixed rate 0.89 percentage points below the 2019 average annual rate, which was also a record low that year.
We found a website with tons of advice for sellers, buyers, and investors for the increasingly competitive real estate market.
Before you purchase a home in the spring, consider the following tips:
Plan Your Needs and Wants: No matter what time of year you are buying a home, it is important to know what you are looking for. Set aside time to write down what you need in a property, and what you want (but are willing to go without). It is important to stay focused when touring multiple properties, and having a list ensures you have something to refer back to.
Be Prepared: There is no reason to wait for April showers to bring May flowers: prepare yourself for buying a home before you start looking for properties. Check your credit, get pre approved for a loan, and prepare your finances early on. This will help you not only find properties in your budget, but also make sure you are ready to make an offer as soon as you find the right one.
Know When To Be Flexible: Foreclosures and short sales may not be your first thought when searching for a new home, but try not to get caught up on the type of seller when looking for properties. Instead, stay focused on things that should be a priority (like location). This will make sure you keep your options open, while also guaranteeing you don’t compromise on more important items.
Have Your Paperwork Ready: After you find “the one” it is crucial that you are ready for the closing process. Gather any necessary documents you will need to purchase the home. This includes your W2s, bank statements, and identification. Setting these aside ahead of time will make sure you are not scrambling at the last minute to find anything.
Pay Attention To List Price: If you are in fact shopping around a seller’s market, remember that list prices may not be as negotiable as usual. While that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t try to negotiate, at the very least you should be prepared to pay the list price for a property. Consider this as you search for potential homes to help make sure you stay inside your price range.
Learn To Negotiate: That being said: the list price is not the only thing open to negotiation when closing on a property. To make your offer stand out in a competitive market, look for other benefits you can offer the seller. For example, you could suggest a flexible move out date in order to give them extra time. By negotiating where you can, you could strengthen your offer with a busy seller and ultimately end up with the house.
Hire The Right Agent: Look for a real estate agent who specializes in the area you are hoping to move. They will be able to provide you with valuable insights on the neighborhood, which will be invaluable as you search for a home. Do not be afraid to meet with more than one agent before deciding on one, after all you are the one purchasing a home.
Spring Selling Season Tips
It is necessary to understand the pros and cons before listing a property, no matter what time of year it is. That being said, there are some tips specific to spring that can help ensure you find success. Think about what makes your property unique, and how you can best show case it to buyers. By putting the time in to your home and listing, you can help make sure your property sells quickly and for what it’s worth.
If you’re planning to sell a home this spring, consider the following tips:
Price To Sell: Whether it’s spring, fall, summer or winter, if your house isn’t priced right it’s not going to sell. At the very least, poor pricing could force your property to sit on the market for way too long. Research comparable properties in the area, or listen to suggestions from your real estate agent and choose the right price for your home.
Boost Your Curb Appeal: Use the season to your advantage and take your curb appeal to the next level before taking property photos. There are so many flowers in bloom during this time of year that can really make a difference on your curb appeal. Look for options that will last in your area and don’t be afraid to get your hands dirty on a little landscaping work.
Light Up The Property: Spring is associated with pastel colors, bright skies and floral accents. You don’t have to redecorate your home by any means, but it is a good idea to add a few spring touches here and there. Keep curtains open to let natural light in, use light hues when staging, and coordinate your marketing materials for the season. Without going overboard, you can utilize a spring time look to make your property seem inviting and open.
Prepare For Viewings: To help make all of your spring cleaning worth it, make sure you are actually ready for property viewings. For example, set out a welcome mat and umbrella holder so potential buyers can wipe their feet and leave their umbrellas at the door before entering the home. This will help make sure you only have to do minor touch ups between viewings, rather than starting from square one each time.
Look Out For Pollen: While spring is known for its nice weather, there is one main drawback: pollen. Depending on your market, you may need to go the extra mile to make sure windows, doors and porch aren’t covered in yellow dust. In most cases, pollen is not going to be a deal breaker but you do want to make sure potential buyers don’t leave your open house with an allergy attack.
Home Staging: Believe it or not, studies have shown that home staging helps properties sell 50 to 80 percent faster than non-staged homes, and spend 81 percent less time on the market. For sellers, learning the keys to home staging could end up earning you more money. Read these home staging tips to make sure your property stands out.
Make Necessary Repairs: Although there are a lot of buyers shopping the market this time of year, you will still be responsible for a home inspection during closing. If you are aware of any potential problems with the home be proactive and make any repairs before selling. This can help speed up the closing process and ensure a smooth transaction.
Below is a Catalogue of our “Spring Sale” properties here at Starr Real Estate!
