Believe it or not, the spring real estate season is finally upon us in Colorado Springs, and by the end of this week the federal home buyers’ tax credits will have expired.  Homeowners all across America are getting ready to put their home on the market, but as the economy continues to sputter along, it is hard to predict what will happen this summer in Colorado Springs housing market.

If you are buying a home in Colorado Springs, then you can expect to see prices creep up as inventory goes down, but it will be a gradual increase.  The real issue for buyers will be financing, so be sure to lock in your best mortgage rate as soon as you have an Agreement of Sale.

Sellers in Colorado Springs, on the other hand, may need to develop some real estate marketing skills to compete in this “buyers’ market”.  One of the best ways to do this is by “staging” your home.

What is staging?

Staging goes beyond just cleaning and organizing.  It means going into your home with a fresh eye and a keen instinct for what appeals to buyers.  Very few homeowners are able to do this, especially with their own homes, but a Colorado Springs real estate agent will be able to help.

Some sellers even hire professional “stagers” before putting their home on the market.  With just a few simple touches, a little furniture rearrangement, a thorough “decluttering” and some fresh flowers here and there, staging can lend an element of warmth to your home that resonates with potential buyers.  Even though most buyers fully intend to personalize their new home, they want to buy a home that is “move-in ready”.  Houses with a lot of clutter and decorations can make it difficult for buyers to imagine living there.

Once a home is properly staged, a professional photographer can capture each room at just the right angle.  Remember, before a potential buyer even sees your home they will be looking at photographs of it the Colorado Springs MLS listings.

Working with a Colorado Springs real estate agent can help ensure your home sells quickly and at the best price.