Spring is almost here in West Michigan, and if you're thinking about selling your Muskegon home this year, now is the time to start preparing. But here's the thing—what works in Phoenix or Atlanta doesn't always translate to our unique lakeside market. After helping dozens of families sell their homes along the Lakeshore, I've learned that timing, preparation, and understanding what local buyers actually want makes all the difference.
Let me walk you through exactly how to get your Muskegon home ready to sell this spring.
Why Spring Timing Matters More Here Than You Think
In Muskegon, we don't just have four seasons—we have distinct seasons that dramatically impact the real estate market. The national advice to list in early spring? That needs translation for our Michigan reality.
The Muskegon Sweet Spot: Late April through June
Here's why: Our buyers aren't just looking at photos online. They're driving through neighborhoods, imagining summer evenings on the deck, and picturing their kids playing in the yard. When they visit your home in March with dirty snow piles still in the driveway and brown lawns, it's hard for them to fall in love with the property—even if everything else is perfect.
Late April gives you time to:
- Let the lawn green up naturally (our soil needs time to warm)
- Address any winter damage that might have occurred
- Show off your outdoor spaces when they actually look inviting
- Avoid the "mud season" that can make your property look worse than it is
What Muskegon Buyers Actually Want (It's Not What HGTV Says)
National home improvement shows love to push granite countertops, open concepts, and farmhouse sinks. And sure, those are nice. But Muskegon buyers? They have different priorities shaped by our climate and lifestyle.
The Non-Negotiables:
1. A Functional Furnace and Solid Windows This isn't Southern California. Buyers here know that heating bills and drafty windows can cost them thousands. If your furnace is 20+ years old, consider replacing it before listing. Yes, it's an investment, but homes with newer HVAC systems sell faster and for more money here. I've seen buyers walk away from otherwise perfect homes because of an old furnace—the uncertainty isn't worth it to them.
2. Dry Basements Water issues are the deal-killer in our market. If you've had any basement moisture, address it now. Even a small water stain can trigger major concerns. Consider a sump pump upgrade or foundation waterproofing if needed. This isn't about hiding problems—it's about solving them before they derail your sale.
3. Storage Space Living through Michigan winters means snow blowers, winter tires, holiday decorations, and summer outdoor furniture that needs storing. Buyers here value garage space, basement storage, and closets more than they value that trendy accent wall. Don't sacrifice practical storage for aesthetic upgrades.
What's Overrated in Our Market:
High-end kitchen remodels rarely give you dollar-for-dollar returns in Muskegon. A clean, functional kitchen with updated paint and hardware? Perfect. A $40,000 renovation? You probably won't recoup that cost. Save your money or invest it where it matters more.
The Spring Prep Checklist: Muskegon Edition
Exterior (Start Here First)
Your curb appeal needs to survive the mental comparison to homes with perfect lawns and blooming flowers. Here's what matters:
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Lawn Care: Rake out dead spots, overseed thin areas in early May, and consider a spring fertilizer treatment. Our lawns take a beating from road salt and freeze-thaw cycles.
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Power Washing: Hit the siding, driveway, walkways, and deck. You'd be amazed what Michigan winter grime hides. This is the single best ROI improvement you can make—costs $200-400 and makes your home look thousands of dollars better.
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Paint Touch-Ups: Check trim around windows and doors. Our winters are hard on exterior paint, especially on the north-facing sides that don't get sun to dry out moisture.
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Landscaping: Plant colorful annuals near the entrance. Mulch beds look fresh and intentional. Trim back overgrown shrubs that might be blocking natural light from windows.
Interior Updates
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Deep Clean Everything: Pay special attention to windows (inside and out), baseboards, and light fixtures. Our winters are long, and dust accumulates.
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Fresh Paint in Neutrals: I know your teal accent wall looked great in the Pinterest photo, but buyers here tend to be conservative. Stick with warm grays, soft beiges, or creamy whites. These help rooms feel brighter during those inevitable cloudy spring days.
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Light Fixtures Matter: Replace any dated fixtures or bulbs that have burned out. Natural light is limited enough here—maximize what you can control.
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Declutter with Purpose: Buyers need to see themselves in your home. Pack away personal photos, collections, and excess furniture. Rent a storage unit if needed—it's worth it.
Local Contractors I Trust
I get asked for recommendations constantly, so here are contractors I've seen do quality work for reasonable prices in the Muskegon area:
For Painting: Fresh Coast Painting – Reliable, fair pricing, they understand the prep work needed for our climate-damaged exteriors.
For Landscaping: Preferred Lawn Care – They know what plants actually thrive here and won't try to sell you something that can't handle our winters.
For HVAC: G&W Heating And Cooling – Honest assessments, they won't pressure you to replace what doesn't need replacing, but they'll tell you the truth about system lifespan.
For General Handyman Work: I have a list of many trusted contacts – Great for those smaller projects—fixing drywall, replacing fixtures, basic repairs that you don't want to DIY.
Note: I don't receive any compensation for these recommendations. These are just contractors I've seen do good work for clients.
The Biggest Mistake Sellers Make
Over improving for the neighborhood. I see it all the time—someone puts $50,000 into renovations in a $200,000 neighborhood, then gets frustrated when the home doesn't appraise for $250,000.
The market has a ceiling based on location and comparable sales. Your goal isn't to create the fanciest house on the block—it's to create the cleanest, most move-in-ready version of your home that appeals to buyers in your price range.
Starting the Conversation
If you're thinking about selling this spring, let's talk before you spend money on improvements. I can walk through your home and give you honest feedback about what's worth doing and what isn't. Some things you're worried about? Buyers might not even notice. Other things you've overlooked? Could be costing you offers.
I've lived in Muskegon for a long time, and I've helped families in every neighborhood from Lakeside to Norton Shores to Roosevelt Park. I know what buyers in each area are looking for, and I know what price points make sense.
Ready to get started? Give me a call at 231-215-7229 or shoot me an email at [email protected]. Let's create a game plan that makes sense for your home, your timeline, and your goals.
And if you're not quite ready to sell yet? That's fine too. Follow along on my blog and social media for more local market insights, home prep tips, and what's actually happening in Muskegon real estate right now—not what some national trend article says should be happening.
Chris Simpson is a real estate agent with Five Star Real Estate, specializing in Muskegon and the surrounding Lakeshore communities. When he's not helping clients buy and sell homes, you can find him enjoying everything West Michigan has to offer—from summer concerts at Pere Marquette Park to winter fishing on Muskegon Lake.
