Jane Rogers is working on a new book about how Seller’s can maximize their home’s sale price and she interviewed Vicki Restivo for some helpful information. Here’s a sneak peek for you!
8 Ways to Prep Your Home for a Sale
When selling a home, everyone has different priorities. Some will look for maximum profit, while others just want to sell as quickly as possible. Whatever you want from your home sale, chances are you will need to do some prep before you put the house on the market. Here are some projects recommended by your REALTOR® Vicki Restivo that you should undertake that can help you sell fast and maximize profit.
Do Your Homework
Start by doing the basic research on your local area. Find out whether it is a buyer or seller’s market, average listing prices in the area, and the average number of days a home tends to be on the market. This will give you an idea of how the sale process will go.
According to Vicki Restivo, homes in Pinecrest, Florida, typically range between $1 million and $3 million, however, new construction homes can be even more expensive. This information tells you that you will need to put in some extra effort to make your house stand out if you want to sell quickly.
Home Repairs
First of all, repair any items that are likely to come up in an inspection report, as they can be less expensively taken care of in advance of listing the house. This is because a handyperson (or a DIY-savvy friend or family member) can do many of the basic repairs, but you will need to hire a licensed professional if the items are noted in an inspection.
Update Your Kitchen and Bath
A full kitchen and bath renovation is tempting, but you don’t have to go that far. According to US News, statistics show that minor remodels and improvements have a much higher return on investment than a full overhaul, and they are likely to be cheaper and faster too. Talk to your real estate agent for their personalized suggestions for your home.
Repaint Interiors
If your walls are looking a bit tired or out of date, a fresh coat of paint can instantly make a room look modern and attractive. Opt for neutrals to attract the widest possible range of buyers, but avoid off-white or eggshell, especially in poorly lit rooms. Light grays and beiges can be a good option, but you should stay away from anything dark entirely.
Check Your Lighting
Make sure your interior lights are bright, and take some time to consider your lighting arrangement. Rooms look most attractive when they are well-lit using a balanced combination of the three main types of light: ambient, task, and accent. You can also use fixture designs and different types of lightbulb to create atmospheres, like cozy, sleek, vintage, or modern.
Clean and Declutter
Start thinking about this step before you even list the house. Start by sorting through all your stuff, trying to get rid of as many unwanted or unused possessions as possible — this will make both staging and moving a lot easier. You should also consider bringing in a professional cleaning service before any showings, or at least do a deep clean yourself.
Curb Appeal
Curb appeal is incredibly important, so take some time to polish up your front yard. Cut grass and fertilize to make it nice and green before listing the house, add mulch, and place some potted plants with simple, colorful flowers as a focal point near the entrance. You’ll be amazed at the difference it can make.
Smart Features
Smart home technology is an undeniable trend, and smart features like Nest and Ring are always perks for buyers. According to NY Magazine, investing in these features will not necessarily translate to an increase in sale price, but it can make the sale go faster by making your property stand out from the rest.
Overall, your prep will depend heavily on the temperature of your market. Houses in hot markets will need less done to them, but they can benefit from upgrades to fetch a higher price. On the other hand, those in cooler markets should prioritize standing out from the competition with distinguishing features and perks. As long as you know your market, you will be able to effectively tailor your projects to what your potential buyers want.
Article provided by Natalie Jones from HomeownerBliss.info.
