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I love spring and its exuberance! It starts with Daffodil and Hyacinth flowers pushing their way up through the soil. Next the dead, gray grass starts to turn green again. New leaves emerge from trees with the brightest green color. And here in northeast Florida, the azaleas are in full bloom.

The first day of spring is Friday March 20^th – the spring equinox. And for many, it can’t come soon enough. It has been an ugly winter marked by a polar vortex which brought a hard freeze to many parts of Florida. Even the beaches and as far south as Orlando had freezing temperatures for an extended period killing much of the tropical vegetation.

But here in northeast Florida, the dead vegetation is being cut away to reveal blooming flowers and greening grasses. But the colors of spring aren’t just limited to the beautiful vegetation. The warmer weather brings people outside, often in colorful sun dresses and floral attire as witnessed this weekend at the TPC golf tournament here in Ponte Vedra.

It is amazingly uplifting to witness the exuberance of spring!

Spring into New Home Sales

I believe this exuberance is what launches the spring new home buying season. Imagine being trapped inside a house that no longer matches your lifestyle? Or a kitchen that is closed off from the family. Many older homes have little or no outdoor living.  The warmer weather and longer days not only entice buyers to emerge from their winter hibernation but also to move on from a less-than-ideal home.

Sure – some traditionalists will credit the spring surge in new home sales to family buyers wanting to time their move into a new school district over the summer. But buyers with school aged children account for only 27% of new home buyers. This is down from 58% of buyers with school aged children in 1985. And with so many builders offering move-in-ready homes, family buyers can wait until summer with their new home purchase.

The Power of Streetscape

Warmer weather and longer days make shopping for a new home easier and more enticing. Imagine potential buyers driving through your new home neighborhoods to get a sense of the community. Will they see a streetscape full of dull beige cookie cutter homes? Or will they be enticed by a carefully crafted streetscape with a variety of materials, textures and colors?

Will they see sidewalks with street trees and neighbors walking their dogs? Will they see inviting front porches adorned with potted plants and welcome signs? They could be halfway through their buying decision even before they step into your model home.

Harness the Exuberance of Spring in Your Model

Now, imagine a model home full of spring exuberance. Freshly planted flowers adorn the sidewalks enticing buyers to come inside. The interior is bright and fresh – a refreshing change from a buyer’s dull winter hibernation.

Here, outdoor living can win over reluctant buyers. Harness the power of biophilia by surrounding buyers with the sights, sounds and smells of nature.

Don’t forget to merchandise the entire property including demonstrating different ways to live and flourish in the backyard. Yes, I love spring and it’s power to uplift our spirits. Is it enough to bring a robust buying season? Let me know what you think.