Selling your home in the spring of 2025

May 9, 2025 by chorton Leave a Comment

Spring 2025: Why It’s the Perfect Time to Sell Your Home in Central Texas

As the bluebonnets bloom and the sun starts to linger a little longer each day, spring in Central Texas isn’t just beautiful—it’s the hottest time of year to sell your home.

If you’re living in Stephenville, Granbury, Comanche, Hico, Lipan, Glen Rose, Weatherford, Dublin, DeLeon, Tolar, Bluff Dale, or Nemo, buyers are already on the move. And whether you’re in Erath, Hamilton, Hood, or Bosque County, spring 2025 could be your window to make a great sale.

But in a season when the market floods with listings, how do you make yours stand out?

That’s where a bit of preparation—and local expertise—can make all the difference.

First Impressions Are Everything

Let’s start with curb appeal. Before a buyer even opens your front door, they’ve already made judgments. That means now is the time to:

Mow the lawn (try a diagonal cut—it actually makes the space look larger).
Trim back bushes and tree limbs that might block light or the walkway.
Add a burst of spring with some yellow flowers near the entry. Yellow is a cheerful, welcoming color—and it’s been proven to trigger positive emotions in buyers.

Even something as simple as a clean doormat and a place to shake off spring showers makes your home feel more cared for.

Let the Light In

Buyers aren’t just looking at square footage—they’re feeling a space. And spring light is your best friend.

Wash the windows and mirrors so that natural light bounces throughout the home.
Refresh your window treatments. Clean drapes, open blinds, and a breeze through the house can make a room feel brighter and more alive.
Set out freshly cut flowers like peonies or lilacs for a subtle fragrance and a colorful touch that’s far more inviting than artificial air fresheners.

Freshen Up the Interior

Inside, simplicity and cleanliness win every time. Focus on these key areas:

Shine those hardwood floors. If they’re scuffed, consider a light refinish.
Bleach tile grout and scrub down any high-traffic flooring to restore its sparkle.
Use light-colored pillows, throws, and rolled hand towels to breathe spring energy into each room.

Small touches speak volumes. Even a pyramid of washcloths on the bathroom counter tells a buyer, “This place is well cared for.”

Stand Out with Smart Extras

If you’re holding an open house or private showing, consider this:

Set out chilled bottles of water with custom labels (your name and contact info = marketing gold).
Offer individually wrapped snacks to keep buyers lingering—and noticing details.
Use helium balloons on directional signs to attract more drive-by traffic.
Print professional flyers in color with financing options clearly listed. When buyers see that they can afford your home, they’re more likely to act.

Bonus tip: color postcards with UV coating mailed to nearby neighborhoods can bring attention you didn’t even know you were missing.

Listing Strategy Matters

Here’s something most sellers don’t consider: how long your home has been on the market matters.

In spring, buyers are drawn to new listings. If your home has been sitting for a while with no bites, you might benefit from a short break. Take a couple of weeks to reset, improve the presentation, and then re-list with a fresh approach.

And when you do, make sure you’re working with the best.

Trust the Local Experts at Preferred Properties of Texas

For over 30 years, Preferred Properties of Texas has helped clients across Central Texas—from residential homes to ranches, farmland, commercial properties, and rentals—buy and sell with confidence.

We know the market in Stephenville, Granbury, Comanche, Weatherford, and everywhere in between. Our agents live here, work here, and understand what makes each town unique.

📍 Serving Erath, Hamilton, Hood, and Bosque Counties
📞 Call us today: 254-965-7775
🌐 Learn more: PreferredPropertiesofTexas.com

Selling your home this spring? The best way to do it in Texas is with PPTX—Preferred Properties of Texas. Let us help you make your move.

Spring Home Maintenance: Caring for Your Home Inside and Out

February 11, 2025 by chorton Leave a Comment

Spring is the perfect time to refresh your home, inside and out. After the wear and tear of winter, a little maintenance can enhance your home’s curb appeal and keep everything running smoothly. Whether you’re preparing to sell or simply want to enjoy a well-maintained space, here are some essential spring home maintenance tips.

Exterior Spring Maintenance

Inspect the Roof & Gutters – Winter storms can damage your roof and clog gutters with debris. Check for missing shingles, leaks, and clear out any blockages to prevent water damage.
Power Wash & Paint Touch-Ups – Dirt and grime accumulate on siding, driveways, and walkways. A thorough power wash can give your home a fresh look. If needed, apply a fresh coat of paint to improve curb appeal.
Lawn & Garden Prep – Rake up leftover leaves, trim bushes, and reseed any bare patches in the lawn. Adding mulch to flower beds can enhance your landscaping and help retain moisture.
Check Windows & Doors – Inspect for any drafts or damaged seals. Washing your windows inside and out can instantly brighten up your home.
Outdoor Systems Check-Up – Ensure your sprinkler system is in good condition and ready for warmer months. Also, clean and inspect your air conditioning unit to keep it running efficiently.

Interior Spring Maintenance

Deep Clean & Declutter – Spring cleaning isn’t just a tradition; it helps maintain your home’s value. Dust baseboards, clean light fixtures, and declutter rooms to create a more inviting space.
Check HVAC Systems – Change air filters and schedule an HVAC inspection to make sure your system is in peak condition before summer heat sets in.
Inspect Plumbing – Look for leaks under sinks, check for slow drains, and ensure your water heater is functioning properly.
Test Safety Equipment – Replace batteries in smoke detectors and carbon monoxide alarms. Also, check fire extinguishers to ensure they’re in working order.
Refresh Indoor Spaces – Swap out heavy winter décor for lighter, more colorful accents. Open windows on warmer days to bring in fresh air and reduce indoor pollutants.

Regular maintenance not only makes your home more enjoyable but also prevents costly repairs down the road. Whether you’re looking to enhance your property’s value or simply create a comfortable space, these spring home care tips will help you stay ahead.

For more detailed home maintenance checklists, visit HomeAdvisor’s Spring Maintenance Guide and Better Homes & Gardens Seasonal Home Care.

How to Stage Your Home in the Fall for a Successful Holiday Showing!

November 19, 2024 by chorton Leave a Comment

As the temperatures drop and the holiday season approaches, fall is the perfect time to stage your home for prospective buyers. Staging your home effectively can create a warm and inviting atmosphere, allowing potential buyers to picture themselves celebrating holidays in their new space. Here’s a guide to getting your home ready to shine during the fall and holiday season.

1. Embrace Seasonal Curb Appeal

The exterior of your home sets the stage for the first impression. Rake leaves, trim overgrown shrubs, and add seasonal touches like potted mums, pumpkins, or a fall wreath. Ensure pathways are clear and well-lit, especially as daylight hours shorten.
For more inspiration on creating an inviting curb appeal, check out Better Homes & Gardens’ Fall Landscaping Ideas.

2. Keep It Cozy Inside

As the weather cools, create a cozy and welcoming atmosphere inside your home. Use plush throws, warm-toned pillows, and soft lighting to make the space feel comfortable. A subtle autumn scent, like cinnamon or apple, can also evoke a homey vibe.

3. Declutter and Deep Clean

With holiday decorations in mind, it’s crucial to declutter your home. Pack away personal items, streamline furniture arrangements, and give the house a thorough cleaning. A clutter-free home highlights its best features and makes rooms feel larger.

4. Add Festive, Neutral Decor

While holiday decorations can add charm, aim for a balance that appeals to all buyers. Keep it simple and elegant with natural garlands, neutral ornaments, and seasonal centerpieces. Avoid anything too bold or personalized that might distract buyers from envisioning their own holidays.
Need decor ideas? HGTV’s Holiday Decorating Guide offers excellent inspiration.

5. Highlight Your Home’s Features

Use the season to your advantage by emphasizing features like fireplaces, large windows, and spacious dining areas. Showcase how your home is perfect for cozy nights or hosting holiday gatherings. Arrange furniture to maximize flow and create inviting spaces for family and friends.

6. Don’t Forget Safety and Maintenance

As snow and ice become a possibility in many regions, ensure walkways and driveways are safe for visitors. Also, maintain a comfortable temperature inside during showings. These small details can make a big difference in how buyers perceive your home.

By following these tips, you can stage your home to stand out during the fall and holiday season, helping potential buyers imagine creating their own memories in your space. For more home staging ideas and seasonal updates, stay tuned to our blog!

Need help selling your home this season? Contact us today to learn more about preparing your property for the market!

7 Ways To Get Your Home Ready to Sell

July 9, 2024 by chorton Leave a Comment

Are you ready to prepare your home for sale? Taking a few essential steps before listing your property can significantly increase the likelihood of receiving a high offer. From decluttering and cleaning to fixing broken items and painting, the following actions can make a substantial difference when selling your house.

1. Declutter Everything

Organizing your space will help prospective buyers envision the home with their own belongings. Clutter, knick-knacks, and overstuffed closets make it difficult for buyers to see the potential of your home.

2. Have Extra Light Bulbs On Hand

Keep all lights on during showings to ensure buyers can see every corner of your home. Having a stock of extra light bulbs guarantees that every room is well-lit.

3. Deep Clean Your Home

Make sure your home leaves the best impression on interested buyers. Clean all floors, surfaces, toilets, rugs, and bathrooms thoroughly. Some areas might need to be cleaned again during the selling process. Research tips for dusting high ceilings or cleaning sink disposals, or consider hiring a professional cleaning service to ensure your home is spotless.

4. Make an Appointment with a Handyman

If your home is older, you may need a handyman to address various issues such as running toilets, leaking faucets, wall cracks, malfunctioning locks, and broken appliances. Buyers should never feel that your home has been poorly maintained.

5. Do Some Touch-up Painting

Neutralize any bright colors by painting walls in light shades of white, grey, or beige. This can make your home appear brighter, more welcoming, and even more spacious. Fresh paint provides a blank slate for buyers and can help hide imperfections. If you have kids and choose not to paint, ensure fingerprints and smudges are cleaned up.

6. Try Staging Your House

Staging has been shown to help homes sell faster and at higher prices. It’s an effective way to enhance the appeal of your home. Don’t forget the exterior: mow the lawn, tidy up landscaping, and remove any random objects like toys or garden gnomes. If necessary, consider repainting the exterior to improve curb appeal.

7. Consider Depersonalizing Your House

Create a welcoming and inviting atmosphere by removing unnecessary personal items. Take down most framed photos, bulletin boards, magazines, toys, photo books, and awards. Keep a few tasteful photos, but avoid overwhelming buyers with personal items.

By following these steps, you can ensure your home is in top condition and ready to impress potential buyers, increasing your chances of a successful sale.

Original Blog: https://realtytimes.com/archives/item/1023177-7-ways-to-get-your-home-ready-to-sell?rtmpage=

5 Tips for Selling Land in the Spring

April 18, 2024 by chorton Leave a Comment

The spring is the best time to sell. There are many reasons why spring is a great time to sell, including the better weather, increased sale prices, as well as an increase in buyer demand. These tips will help you make the most out of your time in the market.

Here are five ways to increase your chances of selling land quickly and at a good price this spring.

Tip #1: Bring your Listing up to Date

Replace outdated photos, videos and drone images with newer ones that reflect the current market.

Many sellers list their property in the winter, but then do not update it once spring arrives. This can actually work against you because buyers will assume that your property is on the market since it has gray and snowy photos or videos. If it is clear that your photos were taken during the winter months, you should invest in a new set of images.

Tip #2: Spring Clean Up

April showers can bring mud, weeds and more.

It’s important to have your property ready for showings in the spring. However, what you do will depend on your marketing strategy and how your land will be used. Plan to at least clear access roads to make it easier for agents and potential buyers to get to where they need.

Tip #3: Look for Areas that are Boggy

Wet spring weather is not only a problem for muddy land, but can also cause other problems.

Poor soil composition and improper drainage are two of the most common causes for land bogging. Pest problems, foul odors, and difficulty with building and/or planting can also accompany land bogging.

Stop by your property after a heavy rain to check if there is any bogged ground and, if needed, implement a solution. This type of improvement can increase the value of your property and let buyers know that drainage issues have been addressed.

Tip #4: Check the Comps

Always price your land to sell. It doesn’t necessarily mean you should undervalue your land, but you must pay attention to what the competition in your area is doing, especially during the spring when the competition is high.

If you are updating an existing listing or if you just want to jump on the market, consider the nuances of the high-inventory markets and price your home accordingly. You’ll have a lower chance of continuing the sales process well into the summer.

Tip #5: Rethink Your Marketing Strategy

The spring is a season of renewal. This applies to marketing strategies as well. The better weather allows you to take more photos and videos that can be used in your marketing. Spring season means more agents and buyers are interested in your listing. You can make both of these factors work for you by increasing your marketing efforts and tapping into new channels to get as many people as possible interested in your property.

Contact Preferred Properties of Texas today to get started!

Original Blog: https://www.landhub.com/land-news/5-tips-for-selling-land-in-the-spring?inf_contact_key=45b138a46b6a36914cf6a283f5e03551680f8914173f9191b1c0223e68310bb1

Patio Appeal May Add Value To Your Home

March 12, 2024 by chorton 1 Comment

A patio may not be something you consider during the winter, especially if it is cold and snowy. Many people love a patio on a warm sunny afternoon. Sipping iced lemonade or tea outside is a great way to relax. Your real estate agent will want to capture this picture when you list your home for sale.

Patios can be appealing because they create a feeling of openness, freedom and peace. They can also seem to increase the amount of living space when it is nice out.

When you list your house, you can set out some simple yet comfortable patio furniture on your patio. You might be surprised to find that potential buyers will sit down and consider your home. Good! Allow them to soak up the energy in your home. It’s the way it feels. It allows them to relax. Place some brochures on the side table. You could even offer a book. You would be surprised at what these buyers choose. You’ve likely piqued the interest of your potential buyers if they are enjoying themselves on your patio.

What if you already have a patio but don’t have one in your backyard? Is it still worth investing money into one? It depends on your budget, but having a deck or patio – an outdoor space to relax in – is definitely a plus.

Here are some tips on how to create that patio area.

Avoid a concrete jungle

You don’t want to fill up your entire backyard with a concrete slab if you have a smaller yard. Why? Also, greenery is appealing. You want the patio to be proportional to your yard. You don’t want a large yard with a tiny patio, nor vice versa.

Easy Access

It is best to place your patio near an entrance to the house, usually the kitchen. It is important to have the patio close to the entryway of the home, usually the kitchen. This will allow people who are grilling outside or eating outdoors easy access to the kitchen without having them walk through another room.

Patios should also be placed in areas with some privacy. Patios are most attractive when you can relax, enjoy a meal, a book or a conversation without feeling watched. The backyard is the most common location.

Maintain it well

A well-maintained patio is often a plus for buyers and can increase the value of your home.

Cover or not to cover? When homeowners install patios, many wonder if adding a cover will increase the value of their house. This depends on a number of factors, such as whether the patio is built and maintained well, if it is aesthetically pleasing and does not block views, etc. When it is well-crafted and maintained, the patio’s covering and construction can add to the appeal of the home. This could lead to a quicker sale and a higher price.

Original Blog: https://realtytimes.com/consumeradvice/sellersadvice/item/37371-patio-appeal-may-add-value-to-your-home?rtmpage=null