Hello,
Welcome to my latest Newsletter. I have info on some great local events and an update on the real estate market.
The Westfield Real Estate Market remains strong. Low-interest rates, limited inventory, and an influx of new buyers continue to drive the market. Average List and Sold prices are up Year to date. While inventory is down 9.62% YTD compared to 2020. September year over year numbers do show a slow down in new and sold listings. I think this is a reflection of people returning to normal life slowing the rapid churn in the market. It is not a sudden departure of potential buyers.
It’s Scarecrow Stroll time again!
The 14th Annual Scarecrow Stroll is on this year in Cranford. This annual contest decorates Downtown Cranford with many unique Scarecrows. You can get the guidelines and registration form on the Downtown Cranford Facebook page. It is not to be missed!
Addamsfest is returning to Westfield this year events include:
Complements: The Art of Charles Addams and Suzanne Heilmann: Every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from October 8 – October 31 at The Rialto Theater
Charlie’s Ale Garden: Saturday, October 16, 6:00 – 11:00PM, outdoors at the Westfield Armory (Rain date: Sunday, October 17, 5:00 – 10:00PM)
Addams Family Fun Day: Sunday, October 17, Quimby Street
The Hidden Addams: The Origins of Charles Addams’ Artistry: Wednesday, October 20, 7:00 PM at the James Ward Mansion
Dudley’s Drive-In: Friday, October 22 (Rain date: Friday, October 29)
And of course, don’t miss the return of Wicked Windows and the Haunt Your House Contest! You can get all the details here.
7 Quick tips for selling your home
1. Spruce up your landscape
The first thing buyers are going to notice as they pull up to your house is your landscaping- lawn, plants, flowerbeds, etc. In real estate sales, first impressions count. Landscaping doesn’t have to be extravagant. It just needs to be neat and make a positive first impression. Mow the lawn, trim your bushes and buy a few bags of mulch to spread in the flower beds to tie things together.
2. Remove clutter
One of the most cost-effective home selling tips is to eliminate clutter in your home. You want to maximize the perceived space in the home. The more clutter, the more uncomfortable things will feel. Go through everything and clear out all the non-essentials. Clutter can make your home feel smaller than it is. This is not a good thing when trying to get the most you can out of your sale. Today’s buyers like bright open spaces. It’s best to keep the personal property to a minimum. Many buyers struggle to visualize themselves in your home. Make things easier on the buyer by giving them a clean slate.
3. Paint your interior if it needs it
Dark, dreary colors can shrink the perception of space. Dated, stained paint makes rooms look decrepit. Painting with contemporary colors can change the whole feel of your home. There is not another home improvement that will give you more bang for your buck than a fresh coat of paint.
4. Hire a great Real Estate agent
Working with a professional to sell your home has a ton of benefits and takes a lot of the heavy lifting off of your shoulders. An experienced Realtor can often sell your home faster, and for a better price, than you can on your own.
My comprehensive marketing program and affiliation with Coldwell Banker will help get the job done. We use traditional and digital marketing to marry leading-edge technology with meticulous personalized marketing materials. Offerings include professional photography, customized printed brochures, print advertising, and direct mail.
5. Consider professional staging
Rearranging furniture, changing some dated light fixtures, sprucing up that dark hallway with a mirror, or adding some updated throw pillows and decorations can make a dramatic change in a home. A professional stager can facilitate all of this for you and in some cases even provide the materials to you. We include a professional staging consultation on all new listings. Call us at 917-608-7277 to learn more.
6. Consider a professional cleaning
A clean home is inviting to buyers, whereas a dirty home can turn them away faster than just about anything. The easiest way to know your home is spotless and looking its best is to hire a professional cleaning company. Concentrate on the kitchen and bathrooms. Buyers will pay closer attention to these areas. You should also consider having your carpets professionally cleaned.
7. Get organized
The people that are looking at your home are going to open every door, including closets and the garage. You may help your sale by making sure these areas are relatively organized. The better they look, the easier it is for buyers to imagine that they can fit all their things in the home.
So, yes, it’s a tough decision to sell your home. An experienced local agent like me can help guide you through the process. So if you’re on the fence about whether to sell in Westfield, Cranford, Clark, Scotch Plains, Fanwood, and Mountainside Areas or want more information on preparing your home, contact me today at 917-608-7277.