Spring is Sprung and though that may not mean anything more than simple refreshing for some consistently warm markets, in many areas, it is time to fix up what winter broke down. Here are some projects that might take some elbow grease but in most cases not a lot of money or time to get your home ready to emerge or re-emerge into the strong spring market! Tip: Get the whole family involved so the sense of accomplishment will be a team effort. Maybe even plan a family outing to celebrate once all the projects are completed. Labor time will be reduced….Family time will be greatly increased!

QUICK FIXES:

• Power wash all the winter weather mildew off your deck, porch or patio. If necessary, put a fresh coat of paint on areas that may have become scraped or chipped while shoveling snow. Home may need a good power washing as well but be careful so you don’t strip paint from exterior.

• If it’s too early to plant due to weather fluctuations, prepare your yard, garden and flower boxes so they are clean and ready for planting as soon as weather permits. In the interim, use container plants already available at the garden center that can be brought inside in case of a sudden spring snowstorm. Once the weather is constant, you can either continue showcasing your containers or add those plants to your landscaping.
• Wash windows inside and out…not just the glass….the outside frames may show a lot of dirt…shine up the glass and frames for a sleek, clean appearance as your prospects show up and so the sun shines through your interiors as they view your home.
• Take a walk around your home and see if any deck boards, siding, trim, etc. need to be repaired or replaced and then get them looking fresh and new! Clear all debris from your yard, driveway, walkways, patios or deck due to branches down in storms.
• Check your roof for shingle or gutter damage from storms. Speaking of gutters, get then cleaned out and refreshed either with your power washer or by putting on a fresh coat of paint.

Take a new, objective (have a trusted friend stroll around your home with you) look at your home. Drive away and then return, this time taking in your home as your prospective buyers will be doing as they drive by or arrive for a viewing. Then fix what needs fixing and showcase what looks great. Then you’ll feel confident when buyers come by and be able to enjoy this part of your journey!

Take a break from stressing about getting your home sold (or finding your perfect home) to surprise your loved one with this delicious and really quite simple recipe from McCormick spices for your romantic Valentine’s Day Dinner!

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon McCormick® Paprika
• 1 1/2 teaspoons McCormick® Rosemary Leaves
• 1 teaspoon McCormick® Sea Salt Grinder
• 1/2 teaspoon McCormick® Coarse Ground Black Pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon McCormick® Garlic Powder
• 6 bone-in chicken thighs, skin removed (about 2 pounds)
• 1 1/2 pounds small red potatoes, halved

• Preheat oven to 425°F. Mix oil, paprika, rosemary, sea salt, pepper and garlic powder in large bowl. Add chicken and potatoes; toss to coat well. Arrange chicken and potatoes in single layer on foil-lined 15x10x1-inch baking pan sprayed with no stick cooking spray. (For easier clean-up, try lining pan with foil.)
• Bake 35 to 40 minutes or until chicken is cooked through and potatoes are tender, turning potatoes occasionally.

Take time to relax and enjoy a lovely Valentine’s Day dinner. Selling your home can resume the next day!!

The average rate for a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage is 2.84%, down 2 points over the last seven days. Just last month, the average interest rate was 2.88% for a 30 year mortgage. That rate is an amazing considering it is 129 basis points below the 2019 average rate. In other words this is a great time to get a fixed rate mortgage.

The interest on a 15 year fixed rate mortgage can be had for below 2%! With rates like this, we are in one of the rare times when it is just as advantageous to be a buyer as it is a seller. In many areas, the market has been so vibrant that inventory is low while demand is still high making it a perfect time to sell. At the same time, if you diligently shop the market and take the time to get pre-approved for your mortgage prior to finding your dream home, you can enjoy paying next to no interest on your mortgage!

So whether you’re wanting to buy or sell, it’s your time!!

Black Friday seems like the perfect day to recirculate these timeless thoughts about buying/selling through the holidays. Sit back, relax and then decide what’s the best choice for you!

The holiday seasons are upon us and inevitably, whether selling or buying, you may be asking yourself; “Should I continue to market my home/search for my new home from post-Thanksgiving until post-New Years. Review the pros and cons of both.

SELLING PROS:

• Many other sellers remove their homes from the marketplace during this time which reduces your competition. Lower inventory means that you can stand out to those that are shopping and possibly be rewarded with a higher price.
• The fact is that regardless of the season, there are always buyers in the market to purchase due to job transfers, divorces, end of leases, seasonal closing on their own home that they’ve sold and people who want to take advantage of the current low interest rate before it goes up.
• As long as you don’t go overboard, the sights, sounds and aromas of the season cause buyers to imagine what it will be like to enjoy their own holiday gatherings in front of your roaring fire and beautifully displayed Dining Room table.

SELLING CONS:

• The number of buyers shopping during the holidays is smaller than in the more active spring season.
• If you live in an area that experiences extremes of cold, snow and ice, you have the added task of making sure your exterior areas are clear and safe to travel. You also need to prepare yourself for the frustration of no shows and reschedules in the event of inclement weather.
• If you do a lot of entertaining, you might have to be more diligent with regard to keeping your home “show ready”.
• In many areas affected by the time change, it gets dark a lot earlier making evening appointments more challenging thus you should prepare yourself to be doing more weekend showings.

BUYING PROS:

• The reason someone may have their home on the market during the holidays is because they have a “need to be sold by” deadline ie: starting a new job, moving to help out with a family situation, downsizing due to a job loss or reduction in income, etc. This may provide a great opportunity to purchase your dream home at a reduced price.
• Due to less homes being sold during the holiday season, title companies may have a more open schedule to ensure the closing date you prefer.
• Like the “Greek restaurant dilemma” of a menu that is so large it’s hard to make a decision, by having fewer homes to choose from, your shopping process may be far less stressful and more effective.

BUYING CONS:

• Since many people take their homes off the market at this time, you will have less inventory from with to choose.
• Due to holiday entertaining, viewing appointments may be more difficult to schedule BUT keep in mind if someone is choosing to sell during this season, they will most likely work with you to find a convenient time.
• If you live in an area with inclement weather, getting to and from appointments might be more challenging.
• In many regions, with the time change, it gets dark a lot earlier making evening appointments more difficult (hard to see addresses, hard to see exterior negatives about the home) which means you will most likely want to schedule viewings for the weekend, which can be more difficult. That said, if the seller is motivated, they will understand the local weather impediments and most likely be willing to be accommodating.

Whether you’re selling or buying, you can take advantage of the holiday season to achieve your desired result and toast in your Happiest New Year!!