When it comes time to sell your home, there are many things you need to do to get it ready for the market. Your home’s curb appeal is key, as is getting rid of clutter and making necessary repairs. However, don’t go overboard on the repairs and improvements. This article will tell you why you should be strategic about the things you choose to repair. We will also give tips on things you can do to get your home ready for sale without compromising on potential profits and make your home more appealing to potential buyers.
Shouldn’t I Fix Everything Before Selling a House?
No, the average homeowner usually should not try to fix every little thing before selling! Here’s why:
Cost
Don’t spend too much money fixing things that don’t need to be fixed. Not only will you likely not get a return on your investment when selling, but it also might cost more than you think! For example, if you have less expensive laminate flooring, but it’s in really good shape, and other comparable homes also have laminate flooring, is it really necessary or wise to rip it all out and replace it with top-notch hardwood floors to attract buyers? Probably not.
Priorities
It’s important to prioritize the necessary fixes and repairs before listing your home for sale. Focus on ensuring that any major issues like plumbing, electrical system, or structural problems have been addressed first.
Appeal
While some projects might increase the property’s appeal, they may not increase the asking price. For example, adding new landscaping, replacing home exterior materials, or remodeling a kitchen may look nice but won’t always result in a higher price tag for buyers.
What Should I Fix?
So, if you’re not supposed to try to make the house perfect before you sell, what are you supposed to do? What fixes will most impact drawing buyers in and getting the most money from your home sale without breaking your bank account?
Clean Up
Making sure the property is as clean and decluttered as possible can go a long way. You want to make sure a prospective buyer can picture themself living there, so keeping it neat and tidy is essential. If you’re trying to sell your house for cash to someone like a real estate investor looking for cheap property, they might not care if your home is filthy, but the average potential buyer won’t want to try to envision themselves living amongst your filth.
Repairs
Focus on any major repairs that need to be handled before you list the home, such as plumbing or electrical issues, structural damage, and HVAC maintenance. Get a home inspection to find out what caliber of repairs you need to make.
If you aren’t going to make these repairs, you need to disclose them on the listing. If you don’t want to do that, you need to talk to your real estate agent in Aurora Colorado about limited disclosure agreements or selling your home as-is.
The route you go really depends on your motivation for selling. If you’re selling because you need to get out now and you just need to get the financial burden off your plate, you may be less inclined to make repairs and try to get the most profit out of your home sale. On the other hand, if you’ve got time to wait and want to price your home competitively, you might spend more time making those major repairs. To find the right strategy for you, hire a local real estate agent like Tracy Alford to guide you on what repairs will get you more money from the sale.
Minor Cosmetic Updates
A fresh coat of paint inside and outside can go a long way in improving the look of your home. Neutral colors are best for potential buyers since it gives them an easier starting point for imagining their own decor.
Changing out light fixtures for ones that make your home look updated and bright can make a huge difference. They don’t have to be expensive. There are plenty of affordable options out there.
If you have room in the budget, replacing flooring in some areas might be a good idea, like in a room with a dirty, stained carpet. Make sure you assess this because the cost per square foot for new flooring can go from minor to major, depending on the material and amount you’re planning to replace.
The More You Know!
Selling your home doesn’t have to require a lot of money spent on repairs and upgrades. Instead of thinking about everything you could fix, focus on what not to fix before selling your house. With the right strategy, you can ensure your house looks its best for the market without breaking the bank. Keep in mind that prioritizing repairs and improvements that are actually necessary is a great way to save money and maximize profits when selling.
Rather than overspending on repair costs for significant repairs that won’t necessarily translate into an increased asking price or return on investment, focus on making sure any major issues have been addressed first, then work from there to do cosmetic updates where necessary. Cleaning up and adding a fresh coat of paint can do wonders for improving the look of your home – both inside and out! – without costing too much money. Taking time to plan out what needs to be done before listing will help ensure you don’t overspend unnecessarily. Your local real estate agent, Tracy Alford, can help you figure out the best home-selling strategy for you.
Good luck with preparing your home for sale! With the right strategy and a little bit of effort, you’ll be ready to put it on the market in no time.
