Did you know the month of May has the rep for being the best time of year to sell here in the Atlanta area? A ten-year analysis of home sales shows sellers see a 12.6% boost above home market value during May.

But, it’s December. Why are we taking about next May, you might ask? :)

Here’s the thing. It takes more than it being a certain month of the year to get top dollar. It takes careful planning and preparation — and that ain’t gonna happen overnight. 

So…if you’re thinking of selling this spring — March, April, or May — here are 8 things you can knock out NOW that will make it all worthwhile come spring. 

8 To-Do’s to Prep Your Atlanta Home to Sell this Spring

1. Declutter, donate, and organize your closets, drawers, and attics. If you have downtime after the holiday season, I recommend starting here. Clear out the old, and donate items you no longer need. Bonus: this will feel amazing start the new year with less clutter!

2. Clean out the garage and consider painting the walls and floor. A lot of people skip this step, and might even use the garage as a storage area. You’ll set your home apart if the garage is tidy and painted. This will show buyers how well you’ve maintained your home - something we definitely want them to notice.

3. Identify major repairs and make a plan to fix them one by one. Fixing things you know to be broken is way (WAY!) more important than doing cosmetic upgrades. These are typically costly and will scare buyers away from purchasing your Atlanta home, no matter how gorgeous it is.

4. Ensure that major appliances are in working condition. If your oven is being sold with the home, it better be in working condition. This one is easy. Make sure all your appliances are operational.

5. Focus painting efforts - think entryway, foyer, kitchen, and bathrooms. When we live in our homes, it’s oftentimes easy to look past dingy paint and scuffs on the walls. But guess who notices them? BUYERS.

6. Replace your house numbers and mailbox to make it easy for sellers to find your home. This simple update can modernize your home. Easy to do and you can enjoy it while you still live in the home.

7. Clear out winter debris little by little. Does your lawn look depressing? Clear out signs of winter and fallen leaves and make sure everything looks well tended. Fresh pine straw or mulch always helps!

8. Reach out to your Atlanta area real estate agent (me!). You might think it’s too early to reach out to an Atlanta realtor if you're considering a move in 2023. But it’s not! A great agent can help you figure out which repairs and upgrades make the most sense for your home. A customized approach is always best! If you're out of the Atlanta area, I can refer you to a great agent - I have a nationwide network so don’t be shy about reaching out!

Selling your home in 2023? Let’s partner together to maximize your profits. Reach out to get started!