When you finally decide to place your home on the market, you’ll want to make it look it’s best for prospective buyers. It’s a fact that the better your home shows, the more offers you’ll receive. So, what should and shouldn’t be done to get your home ready to sale?
Knowing what to do, and what not to do when selling a home can be difficult. Fixing issues that are significant function of your home is critical. You should take care any and all leaks, foundation cracks, electrical issues, plumbing issues, pest infestations, and all safety issues.
Don’t pay for state-of-the-art appliances such as a refrigerators, dishwashers, or ovens as they’re seldom a deal breaker. Do thoroughly clean your appliances and make them look as good as possible.
A kitchen remodel on average will only recoup approximately 56 percent of its value, and bathroom remodels will only recoup approximately 59 percent (Remodeling Magazine). First, you should consider several factors, especially time and budget, before spending thousands of dollars on these projects. I would recommend cleaning everything thoroughly, applying a fresh coat of paint and repairing items that are critical the function of your kitchen and bathrooms.
Flooring should be clean with no stains or foul odors. Only replace flooring that professional cleaners are not able to remove the stains for foul odors from. If you have in door pets you may not be able to smell it in your home, but it’s the first thing homes buyers will smell when they enter your home. If you have pets, it’s a must to have your floors professionally cleaned. Often this is good enough, but be prepared to replace carpets if you have pets.
While improving your home's curb appeal is crucial to get home buyers to enter your home, you don’t have to spend a significant amount of money. Do not worry about fixing every small, minor, or insignificant crack in driveways and walkways that do not present any safety risks. They are common and re-doing the paving of the entire section will cost more than it is worth. Only spend the money on fixing them if the cracks are hazardous for driving or walking. Have your yard mowed and edged, trees and bushes trimmed and clean any debris along your curb. Ask your realtor for a list of affordable landscapers if your unable to do it yourself, they will know the best, most affordable ones in town.
Trends come and go, even for home colors and fixtures. What looks “stylish” now, will be dated in a few years. You want to keep things as conservative, and neutral as possible. Remember, that what you like and what homes buyers like are not always the same.
When repainting a room, door, trim, or cabinetry to provide a quick face-lift, again use conservative and neutral colors, such as whites, beiges, and light grays. If you choose to fix any broken or damaged light fixtures, faucets, and cabinet hardware, choose common fixture styles that can appeal to a wide variety of buyers.
Don't get overwhelmed by thinking that you need to fix everything. Doing so will result in wasted time and money that could be used to cover closing costs. Show your home's potential, instead of trying to achieve perfection. If you’re still in doubt about what kind of repairs to make before listing your home, consult with your real estate agent, they have seen it all and know what you need to do to get the most for your home.
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