Answers by Amy Linton

Buyers will need to purchase and move in all months, but I do find that the month between Thanksgiving and the holidays tends to have fewer Buyers out looking. In my market in Maryland, I typically see a renewed surge in January.

Obviously there are many things you should do such as decluttering, deep cleaning and depersonalizing your home, but the first question I usually ask my Seller's is what their budget is and whether they need to sell fast. Updating kitchens, baths or flooring and paint effects the desirability factor of the home, meaning it will help it to sell faster, but not necessarily has a good ROI for their money. I tour their home when we first meet and make a list of any items that are in disrepair or that, cosmetically could effect a buyer's opinion of the home. Some items, like leaky roofs, non working appliances and mechanicals that do not function properly should be addressed. Certain cosmetic changes can and should be done if the Seller's budget allows such as fresh paint ( particularly if the home features bold color choices). Other things such as a strong odor of smoke or pets should be addressed as Buyers are very sensitive to smell. This could include things like renting an ozone machine to remove the odors or replacing badly soiled flooring. Quick fixes that can update a home for a relatively little cost is new lighting. The right lighting can make a huge impact on your Buyer's perception of the home. At the end of the day, each home is unique and whether updating or listing the home in its current condition comes down to understanding the market at the time you list, the home's absorption rate within that community , precise timing and price.