Real estate agent and couple standing in front of sold house

Every winter I look forward to the upcoming concert season. Who will be in town this year? (David Gray please?!!) What is going to happen and which show will be the most popular? How much will tickets be?

I am also just as curious about the upcoming market activity. Each price range has its own unique aspects as it relates to the marketplace, just as each musician or musical venue will attract or not attract certain music lovers. What changes will we see this year? The market always changes and being ready for the market you are in is your key to success.

As a homebuyer or home seller, are you already subconsciously preparing for a move this spring? Are you watching for and looking at real estate updates and reports? You may have already called your Realtor asking him/her questions about the marketplace. Planting seeds for the near future is extremely wise.

We are at the start of spring for home sales. If you want to list your home this spring and you have not talked with your real estate agent, the time is NOW to make that appointment. Ask your agent to come to your house and provide a list of recommendations of repairs or changes to have your home show its best. With that, he or she will discuss timing, pricing strategy, and many other “moving-target” aspects of listing and selling your home.

Timing is a critical issue to address. Are you more concerned about maximizing your price or do you need to move by May 1? Share your concerns with your agent. With regard to the property, is it reasonable to remodel the kitchen by March 20 yet you haven’t even contacted a contractor? Doubtful. Your castle’s kitchen may need to be as clean as possible for showings & positively reflected in your asking price.

If you have several tasks that require your spouse or partner to help with, perhaps hiring a contractor can take some pressure off of your schedule. After all, isn’t it more fun skiing or attending your kids’ basketball games on your days off? This year you may have already played a few rounds of golf. Wow.

Builders and contractors across the board are busy right now. If you are not sure who to use or would like a recommendation, your agent is a great referral source. We work with many qualified individuals and are happy to refer quality work to our clients. If your agent is not aware of who to use, refer to the recent contractor’s manual put out by the Central Oregon Builders Association.

Talk with your agent regarding the average market time for the type of property you own. If your goal is to be moved and settled by mid-June and it takes an average of 90 days from start to finish, you are going to want to hit the market by no later than the last week of March. Time to get busy my friends.

Keep in mind that many other sellers will also be listing their homes during this time. It is an exciting time for real estate — buyers have more choices and sellers have more choices once their home goes under contract. Opportunities for right-sizing abounds for those of you wanting a change.

As a seller be conscientious of your budget. If your numbers are so tight that the pennies squeak (or your wallet squeaks when you pull it out of your pocket), or you are completely and totally stuck on a final sales price for your home, you may want to take a step back and give yourself some wiggle room. With spring on its way (it’s here) the confidence in your market position on a Monday afternoon can get shaky when you drive home from work Friday afternoon to see three new listings on your street. If they are similar (NOT identical because that’s a tough match to make) and are priced lower than your home, be ready with a plan. Competition breeds success so be ready to be successful!

I am optimistic and looking forward to 2015 in what it has to offer! If you do not have a Realtor you are working with, please feel free to give me a call. I am happy to share my expertise with you or your friends who need solid advice from a seasoned professional.