Prepare Now For Spring Market:

Don't Be Left Behind!

Friday, March 15 is Match Day! What? What is Match Day? That's when all of the medical residency programs announce those who they have selected (AKA "matched up") to join their medical programs.

Now that the local market is heating back up for the first time since the economic slump, future doctors are becoming more certain they will purchase homes again over renting. And the Triangle is a key area future doctors buy homes. Look around... there are several large universities with impressive medical programs. Not to mention, this is a FABULOUS place to live!

Why does this matter for this post? Well, that means sellers have 1 month and 2 days to get their homes ready for sale!! Future MDs begin the search the minute they know they will be moving to the Triangle. In fact, many of them look ahead of the Match Day schedule. Don't wait..... pick up the phone and get that sign in the yard and those pictures on www.gorealty.biz. In fact, act now to get your own personal Web site for your home!

After that first important step, there are a few key things you can do to prepare for the market. 

• Spend as little money as possible on things that can make a huge impact to the buyer. Perhaps a new shower curtain or comforter can spruce up rooms with little or no color. You don't need a paint job to bring color to a room. Throw rugs also bring life to any room and are great on hardwood floors!
• Completely clear all kitchen and bathroom counters. Now, bring back in a few items to make the home feel like home. One kitchen appliance, recipe book and spice rack can spruce up any kitchen. Candles and clear q-tip and cotton ball holders, with nicely folding hand and bath towels make any bathroom feel like a bed and breakfast.
• De-clutter! No one wants to hear it. Trust me, I've been there, done that. I sold my own personal home in 2001. Clean that place up! You want buyers to visually move themselves in.
• Repaint dingy or soiled walls with a warm, neutral color. Avoid repainting with "builder's beige". Instead use a light beige, tan or brown. 
• Repair any cracks or damage to the drywall and caulked areas in your home.
• Check for any leaks, dampness or causes for concern, such as cracks in the foundation, and have these areas reviewed by a licensed home inspector prior to putting your home on the market.
• Improve curb appeal. Keep lawns neatly manicured, edged, trimmed and weeded. Also prune trees and replant flowers as needed. And don't forget your mulch beds. 
• Clean out your gutters. This will help reduce standing water in your lawn.
• Pull together any neighborhood newsletters, average utility bills, surveys, floor plans or neighborhood trail maps. Buyers want to know all the benefits of living in your home and neighborhood.
• Write a personal letter for potential buyers. Tell them the little "extras" that wouldn't fit in the MLS description. What was it about your home that made it special for you? Was it that you could walk to Bandido's or that you could run over to the American Tobacco Trail? Buyers want to know.

Please don't wait. You may think, "I'll wait a week, or two, or a month". Buyers are looking now. It is warming up and your house should be the one they choose!