Overall, it’s been a steady start to 2016. According to the Toronto Real Estate Board. February was a great month with a record number of homes sales jumping 21.1 percent to 7,621 compared to the same time last year.

Despite the national increase, there hasn’t been a lot on the market in the Bloor West/High Park neighbourhood but you can expect that to change over the next couple of weeks and months.

There are two ways of looking at buying and selling at this time of year. For sellers, it’s ideal. Buyers have been waiting patiently for winter to end and are ready to get in on the action before summer arrives. This means more traffic and and the best chance to get top dollar. For buyers, they can expect a lot of choice with listings coming out in droves giving them the opportunity to be more selective.

Looking to sell this spring? Here’s what you need to know about getting the most out of your home.

1. The importance of curb appeal

It’s amazing what a little bit of TLC to your outdoor space can do for the value of your house. Grass is greening and flowers are starting to bloom so take advantage.  Add some colour to your planters, sweep or power wash the lingering salt from your front steps. This makes for a great first impression.

2. Who’s around during the summer anyways?

A lot of buyers are on vacation and focused on enjoying every minute of the priceless time they have in the heat. It’s important to get to them before they check out. If they have kids, enrolling in school is another factor they don’t want to have hanging over them during the summer months.

3. Say bye bye to winter clutter

Your house is in the spotlight so let it shine. Go through your furniture and closets and eliminate clutter that will make your house look smaller and less appealing. Open your windows and air the joint out! Buyers want to envision themselves living in your house, not what they would need to get rid of to make it functional.