By Chris Richter, REALTOR®
Calgary’s real estate market continues to be strong in all segments — condominiums, townhouses, single family homes, etc. — and we are now entering into the typically fast-paced spring real estate market. This is a time when my associate, Brett, and I make sure our cell phones are charged up in order to stay connected with our clients (buyers and sellers) 24/7.
Right now, let’s take a look at what you can expect during the spring real estate market because having an understanding can help alleviate a lot of stress. Here are some reasons why the real estate market sees increased activity in the springtime:
- Canadians come out of hibernation and are ready for a change. (At least I feel this way!)
- Our northern hemisphere experiences extended daylight, which offers more opportunities to view homes in natural light.
- Outdoor spaces become as impactful as indoor spaces due to landscaping and greenery being in “full bloom” compared to fall or winter months.
Quick tip: plant grass seed before the end of June because grass growth occurs in the spring / early parts of summer. This is why us Calgarians barely have to cut our lawn after the Stampede versus in June. Taking good care of your landscaping early will pay off for the rest of summer!
Are you ready for the spring real estate market? As a seller, there are a number of things you can do to prepare both before you list and once your house is on the market. Start with these 5 easy and low- to no-cost preparation tips that are often not top of mind, but do impact how well your home catches the eye of a potential buyer. The bonus here is that these can be tackled in one day:
- Clean the inside and outside of your windows
- Dust and replace light bulbs
- Polish hardwood floors and thoroughly vacuum carpets (shampoo high-traffic areas)
- Deep clean appliances (oven, dishwasher, microwave, etc.)
- Repaint walls to neutralize the tone or to freshen up the space
One side (and important) note is to declutter. You might even want to look into renting a storage locker for a month and take advantage of packing up and moving some of your treasures ahead of time.
If you need further advice on how to prepare your home for the market or insight into what to expect throughout the process, we are here for you. Whether this is your first time selling your home or you feel like a seasoned seller, having competent and experienced realtors can make the process more enjoyable and successful.