Here are some ideas for ways that you can prepare your property to be on the market. If you are moving as a part of the process as well, there are a few things to consider about how to orchestrate everything.
What is listed here is optional, but these ideas are designed to highlight the easier, less expensive actions you can take, and informing you about the projects and upgrades which rarely offer a return on your time and financial investment.
CONDITION MATTERS
Sellers often joke that their house never looks as good as it does for the photo shoot to list it for sale! The way to make your property stand out is to make it as clean, clutter-free, and well-maintained as possible. It’s also true that vacant properties show well, but staged properties sell better. As your listing agent, we will happily walk through your house with you and create an optional list of ways to make your home more marketable. Read on for specific ideas about how you can get top dollar for your property.
CONSIDERING MAJOR RENOVATIONS AND REMODELS
First, let’s go over the things that don’t actually make financial sense. Many remodels and renovations cost more than you can recoup during the sale, and simply aren’t worth it.
COSTLY REMODELS
According to Remodeling Magazine, who has been tracking the national average of cost and return on remodels prior to selling a home, the top offenders are: Bathroom and Kitchen remodels or additions, Primary (Master) Suite Additions, and Backyard Patios. Depending on the materials, these projects typically only offer about 50-60% return on your money.
There are a few times when this general rule might not be true. For example, if the remodel might uncover and fix a major condition issue, such as water damage, an active leak, or some kind of other pest infestation. Another example is if you or someone you know can do the work for free or reduced cost. Still, it’s important to really weigh out the costs/benefits before starting any major projects.
OVERLY UNIQUE?
Personalization of a property can also be it’s downfall when it comes to selling. Putting money into changes that reflect your personality or that focus on unique or trending decorative techniques can be off-putting for lots of buyers. Even certain paint colors can actually make the difference in whether or not buyers will be interested in your house.
Conversely, a very plain, very standard cookie-cutter home is isn’t necessarily attractive to buyers either. There is a fine line between over-personalized and boring and bland.
The following articles go into more detail about some other factors you may want to consider as you prepare to put your property on the market. There are lots of variables that can affect the desirability of your listing, and while it may not be practical to address them all, figuring out which ones would be easy/reasonable for you to tackle could dramatically affect the quantity and quality of the offers you receive.
WHAT BUYERS WANT – There are many things that you may or may not realize are important to buyers.
HOME STAGING OR STAGING FOR YOURSELF can make a big difference in your sale price and bottom line.
DECLUTTERING AND CLEANING can have a massive impact on the home selling process, and is worth spending time on.
LITTLE PROJECTS THAT HELP SELL YOUR HOUSE can be an effective way to get top dollar.
For more information, or a personalized assessment of what your property might need to be ready to sell, give us a call.
