The coronavirus has disrupted just about everything this spring, and that includes the South Carolina Spring Real Estate Market in a big way. March, April, and May are usually the busiest months for prospective buyers and realtors to be out and about looking at communities and homes. By this time, homebuyers have chosen their home and made an offer. Financing is usually in the works. In 2020, realtors and homebuyers are doing things quite differently. Virtual tours, home showings by appointment only wearing PPE seem to be the norm. People are holding back still somewhat reluctant to break stay at home orders. The good news is that if you have been thinking about putting your home on the market, you have time to get it ready. The more you can do now, the better your home will look when the buyers come out—and they will!
Here are five projects you can work on that are low cost and provide high value!
- Clean up your yard – Many landscape contractors have been included in the non-essential workers’ category. Now is the time to get out there and clean up your yard. If you have teenagers that are “taking on-line classes,” they should have some extra time. Put them to work. What better replacement for sports and afterschool activities than to get outside and get their hands dirty.
- Paint your front door – The front door is the first impression a visitor gets when entering your home, you want to make sure it is looking its best. If you have dogs, as I do, there could be what I like to call “welcome scratches” that seem to appear every time someone walks by my house, rings the bell, or delivers a package. Numerous youtube videos show you how to re-stain, repair, and paint your door. Simple upgrades like this will add curb appeal to your home.
- Declutter-Time on your hands? How about taking a look in that closet in the guest room? If you are going to move anyway, why not clean it out now? You don’t want prospective home buyers to see what you have been collecting over the years. Organize, donate, or sell what you no longer need.
- Organize your paperwork – The mortgage loan process is still a paper-intensive process. Prepare your documents in advance so that when you are ready to make an offer and secure financing, you are ahead of the game.
- Make minor repairs – Experts predict that when the doors open and we can get back to a somewhat normal life, pent up demand for goods and services will make getting contractors’ services very difficult. If you have small jobs that you can do yourself, now is the time.
The fact is that people will always need to move, and maybe after several months at home, some may want to move now more than ever. If we have to stay at home temporarily, why not make the most out of it? If you are considering a move shortly, spend a little time giving your current home some TLC. We have loan officers ready to help you get your financing in order. Please contact us at 843-324-6732 for a “Mortgage Prep Check-Up.”
