Our real estate agents know it's never too early to get your home ready for market. If your plans for 2022 include moving to a new home in the spring, now is the right time to put a plan together so that your home is ready to go when you're ready to make your move. You can take the following steps now to ensure the process isn't overwhelming later.

• Go Easy On the Cosmetic Upgrades
  It's a seller's market, so you don't have to spend a lot of money to attract an offer. While you can still paint the walls of the main living areas and bedrooms a neutral color, you can skip the installation of pricey appliances, new windows, etc.

• ...But Clean Thoroughly
  While you don't have to undertake any major renovations, you will want to give the home a professional cleaning. Have the carpets steam cleaned, scrub bathrooms and kitchens, clean out the garage, and make sure the windows are crystal clear. It's also a good idea to make sure the air within the home is regularly refreshed.

• Start Packing Up Personal Items
  Before you paint, pack up any family pictures and bric-a-brac cluttering your home. This will declutter the home and help personalize it, making it easier for prospective buyers to imagine their photos and artwork on the walls. Further, declutter the closets, basement, garage, etc., by removing their contents and placing them in your new home or a self-storage facility. This has the added benefit of helping buyers get a true feel for how much storage space is in the home.

• Keep An Active Eye On Property You Want to Purchase
  Start looking at new homes well before you are ready to list your home. If you are financially able to purchase a home you are interested in before your current home sells, do so. This will help ease some pressure and give you the flexibility to wait for the best offer.

• Price Your Home Strategically
  The more time you spend looking at listings in the area, the better feel you will have for what your home is worth. Keep a close eye on similar North Canton homes for sale and Akron homes for sale. This will help you price your home to align with buyer expectations and current market conditions. Your real estate agent will also be invaluable in helping to set the right price for your home.

• Limit Access
  Supply is low, and demand is high. By limiting showings and availability to view the home, you will create a sense of exclusivity to your home. Like fine wines and fancy purses, the more exclusive the home feels, the more interested buyers will be to own it.

• Prepare For a Bidding War
  Current market activity means that you will likely receive multiple offers shortly after listing your home. Work closely with your real estate agent to map out a strategy for navigating a bidding war. Be sure to factor in price, prequalification, down payment, contingencies, concessions, etc. The more planning you put into this, the more likely you will secure the most advantageous offer.

Contact us when you are ready to prepare your home for the market. We will help guide you through the process and help you secure the best offer for your home.