Spring is an ideal time to sell a home.

It’s a well-known fact that both the number of buyers and inventory increase during the months of April, May, and June. This often means that your house could be paired against stiff competition. Here are some simple real estate tips to help your spring listing stand out!

Stay ahead of the home inspection 
If you know that a home inspector will find something wrong with your house, it’s advantageous to get it fixed before the inspection. Potential buyers will appreciate the updates, and it will probably cost you less to have it fixed beforehand. It also reduces the possibility of buyers placing certain contingencies on the contract.

Check out these pieces about home inspection to make this hurdle an easy one.

• Why A Home Inspection is Essential for Home Buyers
• Ask Your Agent: 10 Questions for the Home Inspection Process
• The Home Inspection Repairs to Cross Off Your List

Declutter indoor spaces
Have extra clutter accumulated from the winter? Time to purge! Consider donating excess items to a local shelter. Potential buyers are more likely to enjoy your house if it’s clutter-free. Tidy spaces also help rooms appear larger, a win-win for both you and a potential buyer.

Decluttering can be stressful and difficult, here are some articles with advice on decluttering.

• How to Part with Sentimental Clutter
• The KonMari Method
• Take the 7-Day Declutter Challenge

Resume yardwork
It’s time to clean up what winter left behind. Remove all dead leaves and debris from your property. Don’t allow overgrown vegetation to block windows and sidewalks. Trim down large bushes and branches to showcase the exterior of your home. Plant spring flowers in the front, either in a potter or in a bed, to add a pop of color and increase curb appeal.

Deep clean the exterior 
The exterior is just as important as the interior. Power wash the siding, sidewalk, and driveway. A potential buyer will be much more interested if the siding and walkways are all freshly cleaned. Power washing is also an inexpensive improvement; you can rent a machine for around $50.

Brighten up your color palette
The days are becoming brighter and so should your decor! Catchall accent pieces can be easily replaced to incorporate soft spring colors (yellows, pinks, and lavenders). Bright sofa pillows will lighten up a room and make potential buyers feel more welcome.

Consider painting cabinets and small furniture pieces to pop! Here’s a guide on painting common surfaces.