Even when March snowstorms make it seem as if spring will never arrive, the calendar doesn’t lie—spring will officially begin on March 20, 6:29 AM EST, marking the start of the prime selling season in real estate.
In South Boston, the advent of spring means trips to Sullivan’s on Castle Island and a return to outdoor dining on the waterfront. For South Boston residents planning to sell their homes, it’s the season for spring cleaning and getting those properties ready to list. Never mind that you may still be digging out from the latest blizzard—think spring and start tackling these essential “to do’s” to get ready for the spring selling season.
1. Reduce and De-Clutter
Space is a premium for buyers considering South Boston condos. De-cluttering and reducing the number of items in each room can make your home seem larger. It’s also a great way to help potential homebuyers better envision their furniture and possessions in your space. Toss piles of papers, clear countertops, remove extraneous furniture items, and clean out closets to give your home a light and airy feel.
2. Pull Out the Paint
Investing a small amount of money in fresh paint can bring big returns for the home seller in South Boston. A new coat of paint creates a fresh palette for new owners. Choose neutral colors like white and off-white to bring in light and brighten your spaces.
3. Call a Repair Company
When you’re a home seller, it’s all about attention to detail. Hiring a handyman/woman for a few days (or becoming one yourself) to tackle jobs like screen and siding repair, baseboard and toe molding replacements, leaking faucets, cracks in plaster, and the like shows potential buyers your home has been well cared for. A few turns of the screwdriver to tighten fixtures, outlet coverings, and door knobs can increase your number of interested buyers.
4. Deep Clean Your Home
Spring clean every part of your home, from top to bottom, to welcome potential buyers into a pristine atmosphere. Wash windows and vacuum screens to let in the light after the winter. Have carpets and floors professionally cleaned to get rid of unsightly spots, pet dander, and grime. Use a wet sponge with a drop or two of dish liquid to wipe down baseboards and any other surfaces that aren’t washed often. Wipe down kitchen drawers and cabinets inside and out. Vacuum, launder, or dry-clean window treatments depending on style and fabric. Clean grout in bathrooms and between floor tiles, re-grout around bathtubs, polish faucets, and use an appropriate cleaner to remove mold and mildew.
