Spring Into Action: Tips for Preparing Your Luxury Denver Home for a Spring or Summer Sale
Spring marks the beginning of the busiest season for real estate, and in Denver, the local market is warming up as fast as the temperatures outside. According to the Denver Metro Association of Realtors [DMAR], Denver saw 689 new listings in February—a tremendous 59 percent increase from January, the most significant month-to-month jump in the Mile High City in nearly three years. This could mean that the spring market will be much more active in 2024 than it has been in recent years.
“The early rush hour in the market signals the pent-up desires of sellers, who have been sitting on the sidelines due to the dramatic run-up in interest rates since last spring,” says Colleen Covell, DMAR Market Trends Committee member. “Tired of waiting for optimum sale and rate conditions, sellers decided to jump back in.”
With interest rates beginning to stabilize and more local listings to choose from, buyers can shop around and find the perfect fit for their next move. So, if you're considering selling your luxury home this season, now is the perfect time to prepare it to stand out in the market. From enhancing curb appeal to creating an inviting atmosphere indoors, here are some essential tips to help you make a lasting impression on potential buyers.
Make a Great First Impression
From a job interview to a date, first impressions matter in all aspects of life; the same goes for your home. A well-maintained exterior sets the stage for what's to come inside. In fact, according to a University of Texas at Arlington study published in The Journal of Real Estate Finance and Economics, curb appeal can account for up to 7 percent of a home’s value. Refreshing your home’s curb appeal doesn’t have to cost a fortune—quick updates like power-washing the driveway, walkways, siding, and windows; planting colorful flowers, and adding a fresh coat of paint to the front door will provide a welcoming touch. For bonus points, hire a lawn/landscaping service to prep your yard for the season ahead so it’s looking its best by the summer.
Declutter and Depersonalize
Potential buyers want to envision themselves living in your home, so it's essential to remove personal items and clutter. Consider renting a storage unit to temporarily house excess furniture and belongings, leaving rooms feeling spacious and inviting. Taking down family photos, clearing kids’ artwork off the front of the fridge, and tucking away personal papers in your home office will help depersonalize the space and allow buyers to imagine their own style and taste in the home. Plus, starting the decluttering process now will make your future move much less of a hassle.
Refresh the Interiors
A fresh coat of paint—on both walls and baseboards—can work wonders in rejuvenating interior spaces. Opt for neutral tones that appeal to a wide range of buyers and make rooms feel light and airy. If fixtures and hardware feel outdated, swapping them out is a relatively affordable way to add a modern touch to the home's overall aesthetic. Spruce up your spaces by replacing or thoroughly cleaning dingy carpets (or refinishing well-loved wood floors), and be sure to address any repairs on your honey-do list that could show up on an inspection—from leaky pipes to cracked bathroom caulking to creaky flooring.
Stage Outdoor Spaces
In Colorado especially, outdoor living spaces are a key feature on buyers’ wish lists. But the type of outdoor spaces buyers are most interested in is evolving: Instead of seeking large backyards and wide-open spaces, buyers are more drawn to decks and patios that are an extension of the home’s interior living spaces. Play up your home’s potential for fresh-air relaxation and entertainment by staging your outdoor spaces with high-quality furniture, cozy textiles, and lighting, and consider installing a fire pit or water features to create inviting vignettes.
Highlight Your Home’s Best Assets
The photography included in your listing or marketing materials can single-handedly attract or deter a prospective buyer. Hire a professional stager and photographer to showcase your home’s unique features and amenities properly. Whether your home’s highlights include a gourmet kitchen, a spa-like bathroom, or a stunning outdoor living area, emphasizing these luxury elements through quality staging and photography will highlight the high-end lifestyle your home offers.
Create a Winning Selling Strategy
How you list your home has a profound impact on its success. With extensive knowledge of local market trends and resources, your real estate agent is your experienced partner and guide in selling your high-end home. A trusted real estate agent will help you navigate pricing, timing, and marketing strategies to ensure an efficient and fruitful sale.
Spring Checklist for 2024 Home Buyers
If you’re motivated to purchase your dream home this year, here are four key steps you can take this spring to prepare:
Find a trusted real estate agent.
Set a budget and get pre-approved for mortgage financing.
Define your must-haves in a new home—but don’t go overboard.
Get acquainted with the current market to set realistic expectations.
Looking for a savvy, highly experienced real estate agent in Denver? Contact Iron Works Realty.
Preparing your luxury home for a spring sale—or closing on your next home—requires careful planning and attention to detail, but the payoff is well worth the effort. With more than 16 years of experience representing residential buyers and sellers in Colorado, Iron Works Realty has the tools and talents to help you meet and exceed your real estate goals.
