Spring is a great time to put your home on the market. Nice weather brings buyers out in full force. But because it’s such a busy season, sellers need to do whatever they can to make their homes stand out. Using these spring home maintenance tips, you can ensure your house or condo makes the right impression on buyers.
1) Do a thorough spring cleaning
Springtime sunlight can call attention to any dirt that’s accumulated during the winter, which can be a major turnoff for buyers. That’s why performing a deep clean is such a great first step toward preparing your home for the market.
Here are some spots that commonly get neglected:
- Stove drip pans
- Windows & screens
- Weather stripping
- Bathroom grout
- Fan blades and light fixtures
- Faucets
- Kitchen appliances
When you’re cleaning, look at your home through the eyes of a potential buyer. Most likely, there are dingy, grimy, or dusty spots that you frequently overlook. You can tackle these problem areas on your own, or call in professional cleaners.
2) Perform a spring home maintenance inspection
Potential buyers will be thoroughly unimpressed if they spot any damage to your home. Perform a spring inspection to ensure that everything is in good working order. Here are some areas you should focus on.
Roof
Check your ceiling for discoloured areas, which can be a sign of leaks. If necessary, find a professional who can repair your ceiling and roof shingles.
Gutters
Check for clogs and cracks in your gutters and downspouts. Left unchecked, these issues can lead to flooding.
Doors & Windows
If you notice any peeling paint, draftiness, or swelling around your door or window frames, it’s time for some general maintenance. Buy draft snakes to prevent cold air from seeping in, and sand and paint any wood frames that need it.
If you’re worried about any major issues, consider getting an independent home inspection to further prepare.
3) Perform basic landscaping in your yard
Have you ever noticed how bad most yards look after the snow melts? Toronto winters will wreak havoc on your lawn, patio, or even your balcony. If your outdoor space is looking worse for wear, here’s how to rejuvenate it.
- Rake and aerate your lawn
- Remove dead plants from your gardens
- Pull out any new weeds
- Prune your shrubs
- Add mulch to your lawn and gardens
These steps will make your yard more attractive—and ensure that it continues to thrive until you sell your home.
4) Pack away cold-weather items
Here’s an easy one. Before you stage your home, put away any items that are likely to remind potential buyers of winter. That means packing up the parkas and winter boots, as well as those flannel blankets that were so cozy when it was cold outside.
Winter items tend to be bulky, so they can make your home look cluttered. Heavy outerwear can also make closets look smaller, which is why it’s a good idea to put it in storage.
5) Stage for spring
Most people love spring. The flowers are blooming, the birds are chirping, and the air is fresher than it’s been in months. Why not take advantage of the season?
One of the goals of staging is to create positive associations with your home in the minds of potential buyers. Try using the sights and fragrances of spring to create a pleasant mood. Put some tulips in a vase. Add some drops of lavender essential oil to an aromatherapy diffuser (but don’t use too much—strong scents can be a turnoff).
In general, think about the times you’ve walked into a house or condo and felt right at home. Consider how you can create that type of experience for potential buyers this season.
Looking for more spring home maintenance tips? We can help you get your home ready to sell in any season. Contact us and let’s talk about it!
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