It may take more preparation to sell your home this spring than it did a year ago. The housing market today has a completely different feel. While there are more homes available than last year, inventory is still historically low. If a house is on the market for more than a year, it could be a sign that it is not selling to potential buyers. Here’s the truth. But here’s the thing: Homes that are priced at market value and updated are still selling quickly. According to Danielle Hale (chief economist at realtor.com),
“In a market where prices are still high and buyers are able to be a bit more selective, it makes sense that they’re going all in on the homes that appeal the most.”
Now is the perfect time to get your house ready for spring. A trusted real estate agent can help you determine which improvements are most important in your local market.
Curb Appeal wins
You can prioritize smaller projects that you can do yourself to help you prioritize updates that will bring you a good return. Small updates that improve curb appeal are often a good idea. Investopedia says it this way:
“Curb appeal projects make the property attractive to potential buyers as soon as they arrive. These projects won’t add much to the value of your home, but they will help you sell it faster. You can also save time and money by doing a lot of the work yourself.
A few minor cosmetic changes, such as power washing your exterior or refreshing some paint, can make your home stand out and make it more appealing to potential buyers. To find low-cost projects around your home that will appeal to buyers in your local area, work with a realty professional.
Not all updates are created equal
When making repairs or updates to your house to sell it, remember that you are doing these things for someone else. Prioritize projects that will make your house sell faster or for more cash over those that are more appealing to you as a homeowner.
The 2022 Remodeling Impact report from the National Association of Realtors (NAR), highlights popular home improvements as well as the return on investment (see graph below).

For the best advice about the updates you should make, consult your trusted real estate advisor. They will know what local buyers want and can give you the most recent information about what your house should sell quickly this spring.
Bottom LineNow is the time to prepare your house for the spring season. Talk to a local agent today to find out which upgrades make the most sense.
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