3 Reasons to Keep your Home Market Ready

by Ann Hayward 11/24/2019

Photo by Agover via Pixabay

You're not thinking of selling -- so why keep your home in market-ready shape? There are some excellent reasons for upgrading your home while you live there; keeping your house in good repair and in "ready to sell" condition benefits you in a variety of ways: 

Your own comfort: It's just more comfortable to live in a home that is in great shape and that does not require a lot of extra work or repairs. When your HVAC system is in peak condition, you'll save money on heating and cooling your home -- and when you've already taken the time to unclutter and organize, home cleanup becomes a breeze. Get things ready for your own comfort and enjoyment and you'll also be ready to sell in a hurry if you have to. 

Your life circumstances change: Getting married, having a baby, combining households or even becoming an empty-nester can lead to big changes in the way you live. If you suddenly need more (or less) space, those changes will be easier to deal with if you are not also burdened with getting your home ready for sale, too. You'll be ready to go, and are sure to get a top offer, when your home is already in selling shape. 

The unexpected happens: A job loss or transfer could leave you stuck with a home you own but can no longer live in. If you are not prepared, you could end up becoming an unintentional landlord -- and you'll be responsible for a bundle of repairs and maintenance at once. Keep your home in market ready condition and you won't have to scramble to get ready. This is also likely to be an incredibly stressful time, so having your home ready to sell if you need to can take a big burden from your shoulders, too. 

Company's coming: It will be easier to host and entertain when you know your home is in show worthy shape. If chaos and clutter is keeping you from truly enjoying your space or delayed repairs and maintenance are preventing you from having company over, getting your home ready to show will remove this burden. In some cases, the changes you make will let you fall in love with your home all over again -- and be able to proudly share it with others, too. 

Whether an unexpected job transfer pops up, the in-laws are coming or you simply want to enjoy your home in comfort, committing to keeping it in "show-ready" condition will give you peace of mind and ensure you are not inconvenienced by life's little (or big) surprises. 

About the Author
Author

Ann Hayward

Born in Philadelphia and raised in the suburbs, Ann Hayward got her Pennsylvania real estate license at age 18 even before going to college. This second-generation real estate professional followed in the footsteps of her father and two uncles, inheriting their passion for the business. Licensed in DC, Maryland and Virginia, Ann is accomplished in her career, with numerous designations including SFR, SRES, PSA, WHC, and multiunit Housing Development Finance Professional (HDFP) from the National Development Council. She specializes in Prince Georges and Montgomery Counties, Northern Virginia and Washington, DC, all jurisdictions where Ann has lived and knows very well. In addition to her professional expertise, she owns and manages personal investment property, understands and has been involved in the renovation/remodeling process, and has great resources which she shares with clients. When you hire Ann to represent you, she will make your buying or selling experience an enjoyable, rewarding one. Her compassion, sensitivity to her clients’ needs, eye for detail, and ability to see the big picture when guiding you through a purchase or sale are unique assets that will ensure your success. A diverse and relevant background also gives Ann a distinct edge. For 30 years, she worked in fast-paced, high-pressure television and theatrical production, attaining the highest achievement – DGA membership as a Director, and as an award-winning staff and freelance writer. Her keen audio visual skills and design sense benefit sellers in marketing their properties, and are invaluable in helping buyers see the potential of space. A true renaissance woman, Ann was also an income tax professional and office manager for H&R Block, so she thoroughly understands the tax and financial implications of acquiring and selling real estate. Her superior organizational skills are further evidenced as owner of a downsizing/professional organizing business, Managed For You, which allows her to connect with everyone from millennials to boomers and seniors, whether for small space planning or assisting with major decluttering and transitioning. Ann holds an AB in American History from Simmons College, Boston, plus attended Robert Wagner Graduate School of Public Administration where she was a candidate for Doctorate. She additionally studied Film Direction at the American Film Institute in LA, and was a Stanford University post-graduate Professional Journalism Fellow. Personally, Ann is an avid if not very good golfer, and the co-founder of a nonprofit 501c3 organization offering educational guidance, tutoring and counseling for youngsters from elementary school through college admission. She sits on the board of trustees of a nonprofit educational film production corporation as well. (202) 494-6252 [email protected]