Has your house been on the market for a minute? You’re not alone. After peaking at this time last year, housing prices are falling and inventory is rising. Consider these quick home improvements that can give your property an edge over the competition.
Your neighbor's house sold in a day around this time last year, even when interest rates were higher. So why do you still have that obnoxious red "for sale" sign in the yard after three weeks?
After several white-hot years, the Florida housing market is showing signs of cooling. Potential buyers have made the mental shift of adjusting their budgets to cope with less-than-ideal interest rates. Experts aren't predicting a crash, but homes that might have sold sight-unseen a year ago will now have to compete. The climate is shifting to more of a buyer’s market, so homeowners wishing to sell quickly may need to find ways to make their property shine.
Your house's exterior can set the tone for the rest of the viewing, so do anything you can to create a great first impression. Attractive landscaping can increase your housing value up to a quarter of the total and reduce time on the market, experts say. But before you start planting, prep the space by removing any dead or dying plants.
When the space is ready, plant intentionally by creating a layered landscape that draws the eye to the front door. Start with smaller vegetation in front, then layer shrubs behind. Ornamental trees should go in last, behind the shrubs. When choosing plants, consider Florida-friendly options - they're a good selling point that keeps both maintenance and water bills low.
Florida's scorching heat and unpredictable weather can make outdoor improvements challenging this time of year. If you can't take the heat, get into the kitchen. Or maybe the bathroom, or any other space with air conditioning.
Upgrading your light fixtures is one relatively inexpensive way to increase your home's appeal. Aesthetically, switching out dated lighting for premium fixtures or recessed lighting makes the biggest difference. Practically speaking, energy-efficient lighting systems, LEDs, and dimmer switches catch the conscientious buyer's eye.
Investing in custom interior doors or closet fixtures can really make your home shine compared to houses with basic builder-grade fixtures. Surprisingly, these upgrades can be done quickly, too. For example, offers one-day, mess-free installation on interior doors, closet spaces, garages, and more.
When it comes to Florida real estate, there really is no time like the present. Most insurance companies will not write or modify homeowners' insurance policies once a named tropical system enters the Gulf of Mexico, which can complicate summer home sales. At best, your closing may be delayed by a tropical storm. At worst, it could be canceled.
Hurricane season runs from June 1 through November 30. The Gulf sees the most activity from mid-August through October, so closing before that stretch is ideal. Whether you decide to invest in your landscaping, install new doors, or upgrade your lighting, start making your plans today!
