Heading into what is traditionally the time of year with the most real estate activity…

Heading into what is traditionally the time of year with the most real estate activity, the summer months, there are plenty of world events that may impact the market. Regardless of what’s to come in the months ahead, your home remains one of the largest and most important investments you can make in your life. Whether you are looking to sell or just brighten things up, there are some simple things you can do this spring season to help get the most out of your home.

For starters, if there are maintenance issues that are outstanding, consider fitting those items into your budget. Work with professionals to help determine what options may be of most benefit to your situation, whether from a budget or timing perspective. If you need a new roof or the home needs to be painted, those can be expensive, and it may be worth taking those needs into consideration when pricing your home if your intention is to sell. If you can only afford one, talk with your REALTOR about what option may be best for your situation in order to generate the most value for your home.

Some smaller projects that can add some new life to the inside of your home are painting an accent wall, cleaning or refinishing your cabinets, changing out a light fixture, and replacing switch and outlet covers to something more stylish. Many of these projects just require some elbow grease and cost less than $100, but can add some freshness to your home. Of course, you may want to consider hiring a professional for anything that is more specialized like plumbing or electrical work. This can add to the budget, but is well worth having the work done right and in a safe manner.

Spring is also the time to head outside and add some green to your garden or yard! If you aren’t a green thumb, consider starting small with a flowerpot or a small garden in the yard. Plant a few flowers that work well with the colors of your home to add a nice complement to the front. If you have a condo or townhouse, a nice flowerpot near the front door or window planter can add some beauty to the front of your home despite the limited opportunities to have a garden. If you do have a backyard, make sure you have weeded and mowed the lawn. If you have the budget to do so, add some fresh bark to the areas that have it, or consider some river rock that requires less maintenance. You can also add some flexibility to your look by planting flowers in pots and planters instead of in the ground. This allows you to relocate plants and change them out easily, and this time of year is a great time to get some new pots and planters at your favorite home improvement store!

Even with these uncertain times, the summer should still be full of real estate activity, and likely into the fall as well. If you aren’t selling, it is still a good time to do some small improvements that can add some value to your home and freshen up your look. If you are selling and your budget is limited, work with the professionals around you to create a game plan to ensure your improvements fall in line with your budget and time constraints. Remember, your home is one of the largest investments you will make in your life, and keeping up with maintenance will help add to the value of your home. Not everything has to be expensive, and there are an array of options out there that can be done independently that add some freshness to your home.

Rian Davis,
Public Affairs Director,
Clark County Association of REALTORS®
rian@ccrealtors.com
360-607-4766
ccrealtors.com