Q: In a depressed economy, is it wise to fix everything before selling? Should I sell as is?
A: Quick fixes before selling a home always pay off, but there is no fast or hard rule. The answers to this often-asked question largely depend on a variety of factors such as market condition, competing homes, time of year and location of the home. There are general guidelines that apply to most homes. Realtor.com and several real estate magazines put together a Cost vs Value Report every year that is helpful.
Here is Dallas/DFW 2009/2010 report: Cost vs Value Report
If you’re in a hurry to sell, do the “little things” that make your house look better from the outside and show better inside.
Neatness sells. New paint, an immaculate lawn, picture-perfect shrubbery, a newly sealed driveway, potted plants at the front door = drive-by shoppers will probably want to see the rest of the house. Then, for both the inside and outside of your house, if you’re going to repaint, choose neutral colors, and keep clutter and personal knick-knacks, photos, etc. to a minimum. Remember, when a family looks at a house, they’re trying to paint a picture of what it would be like as their home. You want to give them as clean a canvas as possible.
Certain home improvements that are useful to almost everyone have proven to add value or speed the sale of houses. These include doing some kitchen remodeling like updating colors, painting outdated cabinets, new appliances and fixtures, updating bathroom fixtures, lights, colors and wall coverings if needed, Carpet(replace or tear out).
If money is tight, a well staged and very clean house is your best option.
If you are still not sure what to fix or update our agents at Blairfield would be happy to come to your home and help you
Tags: fixing my home, Real Estate, Selling my home
