Use This Time To Prepare Your Home For Spring's Selling Season!
Jan 15, 2025 11:39AM ● By Jen Gennaro
We’re in the midst of what may be the longest continuous stretch of winter weather we’ll see this year, but Spring is just around the corner. Here in South Louisiana, the Spring real estate market kicks off in late February, making now the perfect time to start preparing your home to list. As we wait for warmer days, here are some steps you can take to frontload the work and get ahead of the competition.
Steps to Get Your Home Ready
1. Start with a Spring Clean
Buyers are drawn to clean, clutter-free spaces. Deep clean your home, including windows, baseboards, and light fixtures. Declutter rooms, closets, and storage spaces to highlight your home’s potential. Same goes for pantry and kitchen cabinets–do what you can to maximize the space and organize contents.
Donate, throw away, or start selling items on Marketplace. You’ll thank yourself when it’s time to pack!
2. Boost Curb Appeal
First impressions matter. Clean up your landscaping by trimming bushes, adding fresh mulch, and planting colorful flowers. Pressure wash your driveway and sidewalks, and give your front door a fresh coat of paint for an inviting touch.
Re: painting and pressure washing, if you can’t do this well (like me!), hire a pro. A subpar job will just be distracting, and the buyer may request to have it done professionally in the long run.
3. Tackle Repairs
Now’s the time to address small fixes that could deter buyers, such as leaky faucets, squeaky doors, or an old water stain on the ceiling you’ve been meaning to paint over for years (assuming the root problem has been addressed!). If you’re unsure what to prioritize, I can help identify areas that will provide the best return on investment.
It’s probably best not to let “repair” broach “upgrade” territory. Example: Yes to finally finishing the shoe moulding in last year’s bathroom sheetrock project; likely no to replacing your perfectly intact tile countertops with granite.
4. Neutralize
Create a welcoming atmosphere by rearranging furniture to showcase your home’s layout. Add light, neutral decor to appeal to a wide range of buyers. If the home is vacant or will be when it’s listed, consider professional staging for a polished look.
This is also the time to neutralize what the experts call “taste specific” paint colors, like walls painted your favorite, startling shade of yellow. But, there are exceptions to every rule! Call me for a free consultation if you aren’t quite sure.

Carrie Godbold Real Estate - 2348 North Turnberry Avenue, Zachary, LA
Carrie has been the #1 Realtor in the area for over 10 years running. More importantly, she is known for her honest, ethical and hard-working ways. She'd love to help you buy or sell! Read More »