6 Steps for Preparing Your Home for the Spring Selling Season
MICHEL SMITH
Ifyou’re planning to take advantage of prime selling season, these seven steps will ensure your property stands out from the competition – remember that a little effort now can go a long way.
Boost Curb Appeal
The exterior of your home is the first thing potential buyers will see, so it should be inviting and well maintained. Trim the lawn, plant fresh flowers and tidy up garden beds. You may also want to power wash the driveway, walkways, siding and outdoor furniture. If your front door and shutters are looking a little worn, a new coat of paint can make all the difference.
Declutter and Deep Clean
Buyers want to see a clean, organized home that feels welcoming and taken care of. To make rooms appear more spacious, remove excess furniture, personal items and knickknacks. Clean the baseboards, windows and carpets and don’t forget the often-overlooked ceiling fans and vents. Closets
and cabinets should be neat and tidy, as buyers will be paying attention to every detail.
Create an Inviting Atmosphere
Natural light is one of the biggest draws for buyers, so open up the curtains and blinds and let the sun shine in! Replace heavy, dark drapes with neutralcolored window treatments. If your walls are painted in bold, dark colors, consider refreshing with lighter, more neutral shades. Soft whites, grays and beiges appeal to a wider range of buyers.
Make Necessary Repairs
Because a dripping faucet or a running toilet can be a red flag to buyers, make sure the plumbing is in perfect working order. To give the interior a polished appearance, patch any chips or cracks in the walls and ceilings and touch up the paint throughout. Check for missing shingles, leaks or clogged gutters and have your HVAC system inspected.
Stage Your Home for Success
Staging helps buyers envision themselves living
in the home while emphasizing its positive attributes. Furniture should be arranged to highlight the flow and size of each room. A few strategically placed throw pillows, rugs and artwork can also enhance the home’s appeal. Any unique features, like a fireplace, large kitchen island or built-in bookcase, should be clearly visible and uncluttered.
Price Your Home Right
Pricing your home correctly is crucial, so you want to work closely with a local real estate agent to determine the right asking price based on comparable properties in your area. Keep in mind that pricing too high can turn buyers away, while pricing too low may leave money on the table.
Preparing your home for the spring selling season requires some work, but the payoff can be significant. By taking these seven steps and partnering with a trusted real estate agent, you’ll be well on your way to a successful sale at top dollar!
Guest Room Tips for the Warmest of Welcomes
JENNIFER MCGUIRE
Opening your house to guests is one of the many joys of being a homeowner. You can make guests feel welcomed and comfortable by following these simple tips.
Create the Ultimate “Flex” Room
Flexibility is key in getting the most out of your guest quarters. If you host frequently, the room will likely be used by a wide variety of people – from your high school bestie visiting with her kids on spring break to Great Auntie Edna who’s there for the holidays to your nephew who’s in town to tour college campuses. If you expect to holiday children or multiple guests at the same time, consider investing in bunk beds or at least twin beds to offer several possible combinations of sleeping arrangements. The important thing is to plan ahead and anticipate who you may be hosting. Keep this in mind when decorating the space as well. Selecting a neutral color
palette (step away from that ruffled, hot pink comforter!) will ensure that everyone feels content in their home away from home.
Add Some Local Flavor
Showcase your local community by displaying the highlights or most popular features of your city. Display a coffee table book about its history or attractions. Framed postcards or other artwork that show the best and coolest spots around town will not only dress up the space, but also give visitors a little taste of what they might see and do during their stay. Go one step further and stock the dresser drawer with brochures or travel magazines they can browse through to gather ideas about an itinerary for their vacation.
Walk a Mile in Their Shoes
Want to really understand what your visitors
might need? Spend a night in your guest room with suitcase in tow, and you’ll discover all sorts of little niceties that would make a difference to your guests: handy hooks for wet towels, extra blankets in the bureau, plenty of empty hangers in the closet, a convenient luggage rack, drink coasters for the nightstand, an alarm clock or even a collection of short stories for nighttime reading. Endeavoring to understand their needs from their perspective will help you play the role of the perfect host.
Feel confident when you lay out the welcome mat that those who cross your threshold will enjoy the time spent in your home. Refer to these tips when preparing for overnight guests and you’ll be sure to win points as a first-rate host.
NOTES
New Year’s Eve is all about bubbles and sparkles, and this Champagne Cupcake recipe will add both to your New Year’s Eve party!
INGREDIENTS
For the cupcakes:
Champagne Cupcakes
• 1 15.25 oz box vanilla or white cake mix
• 1 c. sparkling wine
• 3 eggs
• 1/2 c. vegetable oil
For the champagne buttercream:
• 2 sticks salted butter, softened (1 cup)
• 4 1/2 c. powdered sugar
• 2 Tbsp. heavy cream
• 1/2 tsp. finely grated lemon zest, optional
• 1/4 c. sparkling wine
• Gold and white sparkly sprinkles, for garnish
INSTRUCTIONS
1. For the cupcakes: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. In a large bowl, whisk to combine the cake mix, sparkling wine, eggs and oil. Line 24 muffin cups with paper liners. Fill each with 3-4 tablespoons of batter. Bake for 12-15 minutes. Let cool for 5 minutes in the pans, then transfer the cupcakes to a wire cooling rack to cool completely, about 1 hour.
2. For the champagne buttercream: In the bowl of a stand mixer, beat the butter on medium speed until creamy, 1-2 minutes. Add the powdered sugar, heavy cream, lemon zest (if using) and Prosecco. Mix on low speed just until combined, then increase to medium-high speed and beat for 1-2 minutes, until light and fluffy.
3. Spread the icing on the cupcakes or transfer it to a piping bag fitted with a large star tip. Pipe the icing around the outer edge of the cupcake, spiraling into the center until the cupcake is completely covered. Top with sprinkles and serve.
HOME TRENDS: THE BEST INDOOR PLANTS TO BRIGHTEN UP YOUR WINTER HOME
As winter sets in and the days grow shorter, bringing greenery indoors can instantly lift your mood and add warmth to your home. Indoor plants not only brighten up spaces but also improve air quality, making them a perfect addition to your winter sanctuary. Here are the top indoor plant trends to transform your home this winter.
Eye-catching plants like the fiddle-leaf fig or monstera deliciosa are making a statement in winter home décor. Their large, bold leaves add a dramatic touch to any room, creating a striking contrast against cozy winter elements like warm blankets and soft lighting.
Compact and Stylish Options
For smaller spaces, opt for compact plants like
succulents or the ever-popular peace lily. These plants are trendy and fit seamlessly into shelves, desks, or windowsills, adding a pop of green without overwhelming your space.
Plants with Seasonal Blooms
Winter-friendly flowering plants such as the Christmas cactus or amaryllis can add a festive touch with their vibrant blooms. These plants are easy to care for and provide a cheerful burst of color during the darker months.
Wellness Plants
Consider air-purifying plants like the areca palm or spider plant, which not only freshen the air but also promote relaxation—perfect for creating a cozy winter retreat.
With the right indoor plants, you can enjoy a green oasis that brightens your winter days and enhances your home's comfort. Make your space bloom, even in the coldest months!
$457,167
$420,000
$681,104 1,218 1,212 19 99
Market Insights
Spokane Countyexperienced a moderate increase in the average sale price, rising to $457,167, marking a 7.5% increase compared to November 2023. The median sales price also saw an increase of 3.0%, settling at $420,000. The current inventory rose in a big way to 1,118 listings, an notable increase of 20.0% from the previous year. This represents a 3.3month supply, an increase from October 2024, still indicating a seller's market. Residential closed sales also increased by 3.4%, totaling 371 transactions. Additionally, the median days on the market increased slightly to 19 days. Annual residential sales is right at last year’s level, up 0.7%, totaling 5,239 sales. In similar fashion, Kootenai Countyshowed slightly increased price performance, with the average sale price rising to $681,104, reflecting a 2.5% increase from the previous year. The median sales price had a modest increase of 4.2%, reaching $547,150. Inventory in the area increased by 4.8% to 1,212 listings. Residential closed sales also saw a sizable increase of 21.8%, with 257 transactions recorded. The median days on the market decreased to 99 days. Annual residential sales in Kootenai County are up 9.6%, totaling 3,059 transactions so far this year. As interest rates continue to fluctuate and the market anticipates a busy start to fall, it's crucial to consult