Spring is officially in full swing and with late April being the best time to list a home for sale, it’s never too late to start thinking about those presale prep tasks and updates that will make your upcoming listings quick, easy sales.

Focus on the projects that will generate the most ROI. Cleaning, painting, and revamping outdoor space are among some of the most popular ways sellers get their homes ready for the spring market. These tasks typically don’t require extensive time, energy, or financial investments and leave the majority of sellers feeling confident that these projects helped their home sell quicker and for more.

Spring Cleaning

While spring is always a reminder to dive into some spring cleaning, it's crucial when prepping to sell during the spring market.

When prepping a home for sale, getting rid of unnecessary clutter, especially in highly trafficked areas like the kitchen and hallways, can make a world of difference. Gently remind clients that if their goal is indeed to sell, paring down on things like toys around the house, copious amounts of unread books, or notes and pictures on the refrigerator (even if it means putting these things in storage for the time being) will allow buyers to see the full potential of a home. Encourage sellers to ask themselves, “Do I love this enough to move it to the next house?”

Paint Refresh

When prepping a home, you must think like a buyer. Keeping in mind that buyers often tour at least 8 to 12 homes before making a decision, and, if all those other homes are comparable, they will be extra critical of any and all imperfections.

There is nothing like a coat of paint to quickly and affordably give a home a fresh, move-in ready look. Even just applying a fresh coat of the existing paint color will reduce the chance of buyers being turned off by stains or scuffs that make it seem like regular maintenance has been neglected.

Create a completely fresh, updated look by repainting throughout the house using a mix of neutrals and on-trend tones. Working with a professional (like Renovation Sells) who can suggest the right colors, source and manage contractors, and allow you and your sellers to focus on other updates that can’t be so easily outsourced (like cleaning out that overflowing storage closet) is guaranteed to see a return on investment almost immediately.

Step Outside Of The Box

People are looking for homes that have everything they need right in their backyard (literally), and sprucing up outdoor space will not only increase curb appeal but could be the deal-breaking feature that sets your listing above the rest.

Even if you aren’t working with a large amount of space, you can still use a few simple tricks to help buyers envision the potential. Mowing, mulching, and weeding make yards look clean, tended to, and ready for use.

Go one step further by adding a table, chairs, and mood lighting so buyers can imagine themselves entertaining into the night.

Agents, the more successful you are, the more homes you’ll have to sell - and each home comes with its own long presale prep to-do list. Set yourself and your clients up for success this spring by partnering with the team of professionals who can take it all off your plate.

Don’t let the “little things” that often make the biggest difference stand in your way of a quick sale and a price drop.