Jim Valentine on Real Estate
With a taste of summer heat warming up the region, we just closed out the Legislature, remembered the deserving, and began our summer habits of boating, barbecuing, laughing and creating summer fun/joy.
Northern Nevada is officially out of the winter doldrums and summer awakening modes. So, what happens to the real estate market this time of year?
Each season has its quirks and characteristics and summer is no exception. With the kids out of school many people try to travel more to visit family and see new places. Folks that are thinking of moving to Northern Nevada often find it more convenient to visit our area to scope it out and check out the housing market when the kids are out of school.
Summer showings are much like Christmas home showings when your home is decorated to the max and has all the wonderful baking smells of the season. Spring leading to summer in Northern Nevada is the prettiest time of year if you are looking for green touches in your vistas.
Water is bountiful this time of year and it is utilized for irrigation, as long as it lasts. The feed gets tall, the cattle and horses in pasture glisten with their healthy coats having shed the last of their winter “parkas.” The “Honey Dos” around the house are getting complete so the boat can get wet, or the trailer/tents opened up to ventilate and stock for the upcoming adventures. It’s an exciting time and real estate is no exception.
Homes show great this time of year with the lawns awakened and greened up, the flowers blooming, and the home opened up for fresh air during the cool of night. Indeed, it’s a great time to show your house. If you have folks coming over to see it be sure to open the blinds that you closed to preserve the coolness gathered during the night.
It is important that the people viewing your home are comfortable during their visit at your property. If you have views they are best shown off to those that will want to enjoy them in years to come. Open it up. We often go into “caverns” this time of year, blinds/drapes closed, lights off, just plain darkness to preserve utilities. If you want to sell forget saving such a nickel, it will cost you dollars and likely a lot of them.
Buyers should be careful of the animals in the house leaving it just as they found it. Don’t let the cat out and don’t close internal doors. You might be closing a pet off from its food and water. If a house cat or dog gets out this time of year the heat can have a severe impact on them. Leave it like you found it. If you open the blinds to see the sights outside, or the walls inside, be sure to close them as you leave. Just like going through a gate on a ranch – you leave it like you found it, open or shut.
We suggest living in your home as you always do during the selling process, but there are some things you can do to help your cause. If you’ve winter parkas on a hook in the hall, and the accompanying snow boots below, you are better off packing those away for the summer. They are not congruent with the season and will conjure up the wrong image of winter here for the uninitiated. Our winters in the valley areas are easily adapted to, but those migrating from the sun-kissed land to the West fear the unknown … winter and snow.
Anticipate more showings than usual with the increase in out of town visitors. It is part of the process that you signed on for. Inventory usually beefs up this time of year, but this year is an anomaly, as we are sure you are well aware, and the inventory is low. That means more showings for your listing and quicker sales action if you are priced right.
Ready to move in the summer? It may be warm but better than the 5 degree weather we had for our last move. That temp was also an anomaly, but that was the day to move and we did.
When you are ready to buy or sell the timing is … perfect no matter what time of year it is. Establish your wants and needs, get options and perspective from your agent and watch your plan come together.
When it comes to choosing professionals to assist you with your Real Estate needs… Experience is Priceless! Jim Valentine, RE/MAX Realty Affiliates, 775-781-3704. dpwtigers@hotmail.com
