It’s Spring time and that means that many homes are coming on the market each and every day.  While you may be hard-pressed to get everything done you’d like to before you have a showing, there are a few things you should really make time for before you head out the door and a prospective buyer walks in.

• Make the entryway welcoming.  Sweep off your front steps. Maybe fill a planter with fresh flowers? Remove any shoes or jackets that may clutter the way.
• Remove personal items.  Sure, the kids’ school work and photos are adorable for you, but sadly, they can make it difficult for a prospective home owner to think of it as their own.  Please don’t throw them away, just put them away so they don’t take away from your home’s appeal.
• Clean, clean, clean!  While it may seem obvious, it’s those little areas you may forget.  Toothpaste on the sink, crumbs on the table, dishes in the drying rack, and even the trash.  Clean them up and empty it! Also, be sure to put away all those little things that belong to Fido and Tiger. Any signs of a pet could discourage a potential owner.
• Fresh towels in the bathroom.  It may be the last thing on your mind, but believe it or not, if you can make your bathroom “feel” like a day at the spa, that’s a sure win with those coming in to check out your home.
• Smells of home.  While you may love the new fresh lilac scented candle you bought at the store.  Shut it down and err on the side of some of the smells that remind you of home.  Candles and air fresheners can make it seem like you’re hiding something. Maybe it is homemade chocolate chip cookies, bread, coffee or maybe even apple pie — whatever those smells are that make you feel warm and cozy, share it on that day.

So, what’s the bottom line?  Don’t stress about it.  You can’t please everyone, but you can do is some of these little things that will help others feel like your home could be there’s!  Why not make it seem like their Home Sweet Home?

A few years back, a very wise real estate agent said, “Selling your home in the winter is actually a great idea!”

My husband and I were just as hesitant as the next family, but very quickly, we came to the conclusion that yes it was, in fact, a great time. This fact couldn’t be truer today.

Sure there was snow to be shoveled and floors to be cleaned – but how is that any different than any other time of year? If it isn’t snow, it is mulch. If it isn’t sand, it is mud!

The other reality is that there really aren’t many people buying into this idea of selling now. SO – are you ready for this? Those who are anxious to buy a new home or HAVE to buy one have very few to look at!   Inventory of homes on the market during the winter months is typically very low, which means lower competition for those selling. Why not have yours get on the market now before the constant flow of homes come onto the market in the spring?

Here are five simple tips on how to make your home stand out on these cold winter days:

• Clean out the leaves! Curb appeal is important even in the winter. Sure, it may not have seemed like a fun task a few months back, but now getting rid of those will make a big difference.  It shows you care. If the weather allows, make sure those piles of leaves around your home are cleared out and an easy entrance can be made to your home.
• Wipe down the front door and the window trim. Make sure the white shines bright among the dirt of winter.
• Make your front door stand out. Something tasteful and simple. Just make sure your entry way is welcoming to all who enter.
• Turn on the heat and light a fire if you can. Make sure it’s warm and cozy for your visitors. Nothing beats the glow of a fire on a cold, winter day.
• Keep your floors clean. Provide slippers if you can so that your guests don’t trace dirt and debris in for the next guests to see.

Most important, remember it’s your home. You want those walking through to embrace its benefits just as you do. Highlight them however you can and it will shine among those that dare to sell this winter!

Donna Mahoney, relocation services director/Coco, Early & Associates; Pam Chute, vice president at Leading Real Estate Companies of the World; Linda Early and Blaise Coco, broker/owners of Coco, Early & Associates.

Methuen, MA ~ Pam Chute, vice president at Leading Real Estate Companies of the World, headquartered in Chicago, IL, recently attended the monthly Coco, Early & Associates company-wide meeting.  She made the special trip in order to personally recognize Coco, Early & Associates as an extraordinary leader in global relocation.  Coco, Early & Associates has grown tremendously with increased global sales up 25% in 2015. The Network’s average during that same time was up 7%.

As a member of Leading RE, Coco, Early & Associates’ network is comprised of the very best locally and regionally-branded real estate professionals with access to 500 firms, 3,500 offices and 120,000 agents in 50 countries, across six continents!  Coco, Early & Associates’ agents can assist you anywhere in the world.  For more information, please visit our website at www.cocoearly.com/ and click on Relocation.

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We are very fortunate to live in the area that we do, aren’t we?  Whether there is sun, rain, sleet or snow — there is quite a bit to do!  We are close to the beach in the summer and the mountains in the winter — but what do when there hasn’t been too much snow and New Year’s Day is near?  Never fear — First Hikes are here!

That’s right — with minimal snow, some of NH’s finest state parks are offering guests a First Hike!  So, while Mother Nature may have a little white stuff in store for us this week, check out another fun option for you and your family.

Click here for NH State Parks First Hikes

No matter what you do, be sure to start your New Year off healthy and with those you love!

A healthy and happy 2016 to all our families, clients and friends!

#cocoearly