When looking at a home to purchase, buyers are thinking about many things. But the one consideration that is always foremost in their minds is how much money they may have to spend — on top of the asking price — to replace old or worn-out items and upgrade dated cosmetics.
If you’re selling your home this year, here are ten things you can do to tackle what matters most and get top dollar for it once it sells.
1. Cleanliness
A clean house is number one on the list for a reason. If a house is filthy when a buyer walks in, it’s a huge turn-off and they immediately start to wonder what else is going wrong that they can’t see. The more spotless a property is, the more appealing it is, even if it isn’t updated with all the latest bells and whistles. And yes, that includes washing windows, scrubbing the fingerprints off all the doors and light switches, and emptying all the garbage cans. And don’t forget to tidy up the basement and garage.
2. Structural
If a roof, furnace, hot water tank or air conditioning unit is nearing the end of its life and needs a replacement, it’s always best to make that investment before going on the market. Either that, or lower your asking price. Buyers often don’t run from cosmetic improvements, but they will note big-ticket items like HVAC systems, leaking plumbing, or a crack in the foundation that are vital to their safety and enjoyment of the property.
3. Landscaping
In winter, obviously the landscaping is dormant, but make sure to keep the sidewalks and driveway cleared of snow and ice. Once the snow starts to melt, clean up the debris left behind, including any obvious build-up in the eavestroughs like dead branches. Repair any damaged or broken fencing and make sure the gates all work. An immaculate yard assures buyers that the home has been properly maintained through the years.
4. Paint
Never underestimate the appeal of a fresh coat of paint. A newly painted home can make a tremendous difference in conveying value. If you’re good at painting, you can do it yourself, but if not, don’t cut corners — hire a professional. Dripping paint onto surfaces and amateur touch-ups that don’t match the existing paint colour will not increase your home’s value. Light colours are preferred by the majority of buyers, so if you have super-bright, muddy or very dark walls, consider painting them over in a neutral colour.
5. Kitchens and bathrooms
It’s no secret that kitchens and bathrooms are the big sellers in a home. Although it’s not practical to completely remodel a kitchen or bathroom just to sell it, making some simple upgrades can go a long way toward upping your home’s value. Things like painting or refacing the cabinets and changing out the door and drawer hardware, along with updating the countertops, backsplash and faucets. Also, buyers pay close attention to the appliances in the kitchen, and they typically don’t like a mish-mash of different styles and brands, so try to modernize all of them so they’re similar. Or make sure any existing appliances are scrubbed until they sparkle.
6. Flooring
Buyers today aren’t keen on multiple kinds of flooring throughout a home and generally want the same material to run throughout for a seamless look. The same goes for outdated and worn flooring that needs replacing. Luxury vinyl plank or hardwood flooring will instantly update the home’s look while adding a significant amount of value. If changing out the flooring entirely is not an option, replace the carpeting in the worst areas with something neutral, if possible, or at the very least, have all the carpets professionally steam-cleaned.
7. Doors
The front door is one of the first things buyers see as they walk up to a house. If the door is outdated or worn, consider having it painted or stained along with changing out the hardware. The same applies to interior doors. See if they are in need of any updates like repainting, changing out hardware, replacing hinges, or if it would make sense to replace or upgrade them. Going from an older, solid-core door to a paneled door for a bedroom, for example, helps create an upgraded and pleasing aesthetic.
8. Storage
Like sellers, buyers have stuff — and they want to know where they are going to put it. The most cost-effective improvement a seller can make is clearing out clutter, getting rid of unwanted items and organizing all storage areas from the closets, garages and attics to make sure they are showing off their storage space (and not the things in them). Buyers will always open cabinets and closets, so make sure they’re free of clutter and are clean and organized.
9. Deferred maintenance
There is no bigger turnoff — besides dirt — than walking through a home and seeing lots of deferred maintenance. Bathrooms that need caulking, tile in need of re-grouting, corroded plumbing fixtures, cracked windows and missing light bulbs, not to mention dirty heating vents which indicate that the furnace has not been cleaned in a very long time, all tell buyers a negative story about your house. Taking time to address the fix-it list before opening the home to prospective buyers helps show it in its best light.
10. Lighting
Buyers want a home that’s light and bright, not one that’s dark and has a depressing, dingy vibe. Changing light bulbs, cleaning dirty light fixtures, or completely replacing outdated fixtures with modern ones can create a bright and cheery ambiance that will make buyers want to spend time in your house, hopefully creating a climate ripe for multiple offers.
When it comes to conveying value, details matter. Spending time addressing these items will result in strong offers, short marketing times and less buyer hesitation, which will lead to a smooth transaction with less post-inspection negotiation.
Remember, a professional REALTOR® is the single-best source of advice on how to get your home ready for market and to sell it successfully for the best price. Call one today!
— Inman News