Thoughts about some ideas that could capture a potential Buyer. Buyers are becoming savvier than ever and are expecting more than ever before. There is no perfect house as tastes and needs are different for different buyers; however, some updates/repairs might make a difference in the time it takes to sell you house and the actual sales price.
First consider the biggest problems your house might have that would be identified as part of the home inspection and those that are concerns for an insurance company. Examples of this would include – age of roof, roof repairs, age and condition of HVAC systems, electrical issues to include the type of electrical panel and sewage or septic system. If these are all in great condition, and you have funds and/or time, consider a couple of items that could impress prospective buyers.
Some ideas to help update or upgrade your current house before placing on the market:
1. Curb Appeal – update and simplify your Landscaping
The first impression of your house your potential buyers are going to see is your yard and the exterior of your house. You want both to be nicely maintained and welcoming. Shows your pride in the house. Simplify the work that is needed to maintain. Many buyers want nice curb appeal but do not want to have to spend a large amount of time maintaining when they are living there.
2. Put Up a Fresh Coat of Exterior Paint
Excluding the roof (condition and age will be a concern from an insurance standpoint) fresh exterior paint and maintenance on the exterior can make a big impact on a potential buyer. Before placing your house on the market, take a walk around the exterior. Look, at example, to see if there is a need to paint the exterior and is it a color that would appeal to many buyers, any patch/repair work that needs to be done. Does the front door need to be painted or replaced? Does the mailbox need to be painted or replaced?
3. Consider some Inexpensive Updates in Your Bathroom
Generally for a few hundred dollars and a bit of time you can make your bathrooms welcoming to your potential buyer. Consider replacing bathroom fixtures and hardware. Examples would be sink faucets and handles, tub fixtures and the showerhead and handles on cabinets. Very importantly take the time to make sure all the grout is clean and fresh, and the countertops are as clean and uncluttered as possible.
4. Give Your Kitchen an Update
A large kitchen renovation can be time consuming and expensive. As an alternative consider a few updates such as the hardware and knobs on your cabinets, take the time to clean the cabinets and organize the kitchen and pantry as well as clear off the counters as much as possible. Focus on providing your potential buyer a feeling of a great kitchen that will meet or exceed their needs.
5. Lighting
Many buyers are looking for natural light in the home. Dark interiors are generally less appealing than bright and welcoming ones. Check all lights to make sure the light bulbs are functioning as they should. If not, replace bulbs or address repairs/replacement as need. When a showing is scheduled, open the curtains and blinds to welcome the natural light into the home.
6. If in the budget – Flooring can make a large difference
If the flooring is worn consider options to replace, repair or refinish. It works best to follow the installers and/or manufacturers recommendations. If the flooring is tile, a good cleaning of the grout can make a large different. If you are thinking of replacing the current flooring a general rule is lighter flooring can help in making the space appear larger. This is even more so in rooms with lots of natural light.
Preparing your home to meet or exceed a potential buyer’s wants and needs is stressful and time consuming. In determining where and on what to spend funds regarding repairs or replacement, weigh the cost of spending the funds with expected returns. Does the cost of the repairs and/or replacements bring you the opportunity of a higher asking price as well as a quicker closing on your house? Your Realtor will be able to provide ideas of what are the trends today that are assisting in capturing a potential buyer’s attention.
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