
Searching for a silver lining after a year of stay-at-home orders, remote work, and pandemic blues? If you’re a homeowner who wants to sell, you don’t have to search far.
Thanks to COVID-19, 2020 was a less-than fruitful year for many, but — with vaccinations heating up and some restrictions starting to soften — it’s time to start reaping the benefits that the coronavirus brought, now that most of the hardships are over.
For some, these benefits can be found in the real estate industry. Now may be the perfect time to dip your toes back in the housing market. In fact, sellers who put their home up for sale in 2021 will surely sell both profitably and promptly — perhaps even more so than before the COVID-19 pandemic entered our shores.
Why it’s a good time to sell
While sellers were reluctant to join the market once the pandemic began, buyers didn’t share the same hesitation. After a brief pull from the market last spring, buyers quickly charged back enthusiastically.
The reason? Many companies shifted to permanent remote work, so buyers sought cheaper accommodation away from major cities. In addition, after most states implemented stay-at-home orders, families needed more space to accommodate their large families. Perhaps the most influential incentive for buyers, however, was the low interest rates, which reached record lows last December.
While buyers flocked to the market, sellers were much more hesitant to enter the market during the pandemic. This resulted in extremely high demand and extremely low inventory.
So what does this mean for you? If you’re a seller, this basically means that your home will have plenty of attention as soon as you post that ‘For Sale’ sign in your front yard. In fact, according to HomeLight’s Spring 2021 survey, 97% of top real estate agents would describe their local market conditions as a seller’s market, while 93% claim home prices are on the rise. Want to sell fast and sell profitably? Now’s the time.
Renovation projects that’ll have buyers looking twice
If you’re trying to get the best price for your home, renovation projects are your best friend. Remember to stay up-to-date on what buyers want to see the most in a potential property, especially after buyer needs shifted so much during the pandemic.
Your first focus should be the kitchen. Once the pandemic is behind us, homeowners will be eager to host at home, so you’ll need to make sure yours is up to the task. According to HomeLight’s survey, the top kitchen amenities for hosting include extra bar seating, a large kitchen island, plenty of storage space to hide food prep messes, and a wine fridge.
Next, focus outside. It’s no surprise buyers are desperately seeking updated outdoor spaces after a year cooped up inside. Fire pits, built-in grills, outdoor lights, and comfortable outdoor furnishings are all top amenities buyers are looking for, but steer clear from hefty investments — like installing an outdoor pool — that may not have the return on investment you’re looking for.
Ultimately, now’s a great time to enter the real estate market as a seller, but make sure to choose the real estate agent that’s right for you!
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