Are you considering selling your home this year? If so, mark your calendar for April 14th – 20th, 2024—the prime week to make your move in the real estate market this year. At Mr. Lister Realty, we’ve analyzed market trends and data to identify this optimal window for selling your property. Let’s delve into why this particular week stands out and what steps you can take to prepare your house for a successful sale.

Why April 14th – 20th?

Spring Surge: As the weather warms up and flowers start to bloom, the real estate market tends to heat up, too. Spring is traditionally known as the busiest season for home sales, with buyers eager to settle into new homes before the summer months. April, in particular, sees a surge in activity as buyers capitalize on the longer days and favorable weather for house hunting.  After spending the winter cooped up in a house they no longer love, they are ready to get out there and find a fresh start in their next home.

Tax Refunds: Many homebuyers receive tax refunds in April, providing them with additional funds to put towards a down payment, closing costs, or furniture/improvements for their new home. This influx of cash paired with the equity build up in their current home can spur increased interest and competition among potential buyers, making it an opportune time to list your property.

Pre-Summer Rush: Buyers often aim to complete their purchases before the summer months, whether to settle into a new home before vacations or to ensure a smooth transition before the start of the new school year. By listing your house in mid-April, you position it perfectly to attract motivated buyers looking to make a move sooner rather than later. Don’t hold off and miss the opportunity to get in front of as many potential buyers as possible!

Optimal Weather: In many regions, April offers ideal weather conditions for showcasing your home. With milder temperatures and blooming landscapes, your property can make a stunning first impression on prospective buyers, enhancing its curb appeal and overall appeal. Take advantage of the next week or two and make sure your house is showing its best!

Getting Your House Ready for the Market:

Deep Clean and Declutter: Before listing your home, invest time in deep cleaning every room and decluttering spaces to create an inviting atmosphere.  You want the buyer to feel like they are touring their potential new home, not visiting yours.  Remove personal items, excess furniture, and any clutter that could distract buyers or make rooms feel smaller.  A dirty, cluttered home overwhelms a buyer and makes them feel like it will take a lot of work to make the house truly theirs, whereas a clean, clutter-free home will showcase its full potential and appeal to a wider range of buyers.

Enhance Curb Appeal: First impressions matter, so make sure your home’s exterior is well-maintained and visually appealing. Mow the lawn, trim hedges, plant flowers, powerwash the siding and consider adding a fresh coat of paint to the front door or updating outdoor lighting fixtures. Make sure walkways are clear and well-lit at night so the buyer has a clear and safe path to enter the home.  A welcoming exterior sets the stage for what buyers can expect inside.  You don’t want to have someone schedule an appointment and never even make it to the front door because the lack of upkeep makes them want to drive right by.

Complete Repairs and Updates: Take care of any necessary repairs or updates to ensure your home is in top condition for potential buyers. This could include fixing leaky faucets, repairing damaged flooring, repainting walls in neutral tones, or upgrading outdated fixtures. Investing in these improvements can increase your home’s value and appeal to discerning buyers.  However, don’t go overboard!  You’re selling the home, if you aren’t getting your money back in the sale, don’t do it!

Stage for Success: Consider staging your home to highlight its best features and help buyers envision themselves living there. Arrange furniture to maximize space and flow, add tasteful decor accents, and ensure each room feels inviting and functional. Professional staging can make a significant difference in how buyers perceive your home and its potential.  There are many great options, and homes can even be virtually staged now! This is a great option, especially if the house is vacant.  It gives potential buyers a vision of how the rooms can function without having to haul in a bunch of furniture. On average, homes that have been staged sell 88% fasten, and for 20% MORE than homes that are not staged. So even if you don’t call in the pros, take the time to help the house show off its best features. You don’t necessarily have to pay for it to be staged by a company, either.  You can stage it yourself, using your furniture, etc…Declutter by putting unnecessary items in storage and use what you have to get it sold!

Professional Photos: Once you have your home show-worthy, it’s time to call in the photographer.  The majority of buyers will see your home for the first time online, so you need to grab their attention and make them want to schedule an appointment.  Professional photographers showcase each room and make it as appealing to the eye as possible. Even with the advancement of today’s smartphones, you will still miss that expert touch of knowing just how to light each room and from what angle to shoot it. We at Mr Lister Realty, cannot stress enough the importance of great pictures.  They attract buyers and the more buyers the more offers!

Why List With Mr Lister?

By following these steps and capitalizing on the optimal selling window of April 14th – 20th, 2024, you can maximize your chances of selling your home quickly and for the best possible price. Don’t miss out on this prime opportunity to make a move in the thriving real estate market.

When you list with Mr Lister, you can save yourself the cost of paying a listing agent a percentage of your sales price in listing commissions by only paying for the services you need. Combine one of our tiered listing package options with any service add-ons you need to create a personalized listing experience that puts you in control of your sale. Mr Lister himself will be there to provide you with the level of support you need to successfully sell your home for top dollar.

Take advantage of all the spring market has to offer – April offers bring May settlements!  Don’t look back and regret not listing your house sooner.