Sprucing Up Your Home

You don't have to fix up your home before selling. A home can be sold in virtually any condition, if it's priced right, or typically below market. There are basically two reasons why sellers go to the effort and expense to prepare their homes for sale. One is that it helps to bring a higher price. The other is that it usually results in a quicker sale.

However, it's a wise choice to make cost-effective cosmetic improvements, and perhaps even minor renovations, in order to realize an increase in profit when you sell.

Hey! Wake up and smell the coffee! Reality check!

Today, there are many homes on the market that you will be competing against. Buyers are picky and choosy. Look at your home, what does it really need to go on the market?

Carefully consider cosmetic improvements such as refinishing hardwood floors, replacing outdated floor coverings, removing old window coverings (and leaving them off, in most cases), replacing light fixtures and painting. These improvements are worth the money. The reason such fix-ups tend to bring a higher price is that most people have difficulty imagining what a house will look like fixed up. You do the fix-up work so that you don't leave the sale of the house to chance.

And, depending on your home and price point, perhaps even consider renovations, such as remodeling kitchens and bathrooms. For example. let's say your home has an older, "dated" kitchen. In its present condition, it's a turnoff to buyers who haven't the time and resources to remodel it. By adding granite countertops (or another updated surface), a stainless under mount sink, changing cabinet knobs, updating light fixtures, adding stainless-steel appliances, and painting the walls in a trendy decorator color, your kitchen won't be new. But, it will appear updated, fresh and inviting.

Bottom line? The more interest there is in your home, the better chance there is for a sale at a higher price. You've made improvements to overcome buyers' objections. If you sold your home with a dismal kitchen, most buyers would discount your home because they couldn't live with the kitchen!

Does your home need cosmetic improvements, maybe renovations? Not sure? I'll be happy to help you decide. I can also refer you to valuable resources to utilize along the way.