“What should I do to get my home ready for sale?” my friend asked. “Should I pull out the carpet and put down hardwood? What about the patio and repainting the kitchen?” My advice…
I think she is off to a great start by simply realizing that a property must look it’s best in this market. The fact that she is willing to make improvements tells me that she is realistic about today’s market. But I also warned her about going overboard. Right now if you put too much money into your place you are not going to see a large enough return on those investments. Your improvements will help the home sell quicker, but not necessarily at a higher price. If she were to install hardwood floors she would not be able to add $10,000 to the asking price.
We looked over her carpets. They are in good condition so I suggested that she have them professionally cleaned. If they were in poor condition I would have recommended replacement. Most Buyers do not want an allowance. It will make a difference when they walk into a home and there are clean carpets and tile under their feet. The same goes for the walls. If you have wallpaper or scuffed up paint a new coat of paint will freshen up the space. If you think it will cost too much or require too much effort on your part to have the floors and walls spruced up, guess what, Buyers will think so too. And that will reflect in their offer price.
Take a walk around your home and make sure everything is in proper working order. Buyers expect the disposal to work and the roof and plumbing not to leak. If you have been in your home for several years or you are aware of some maintenance or mechanical issues that need correction hire a licensed professional or you may even want to consider having a home inspection performed. This way you can repair any items ahead of time.
We walked through her home and discussed the areas that Buyers will really notice from the front porch to the back patio. Dark drapes will be removed, rooms will be painted, some furniture will be rearranged. Counter tops and closets are very important. You must create the illusion of space. Before you have to pack everything into boxes now is the best time to go through closets and purge unwanted and unworn items. My friend has a huge closet, larger than most for a home of its size. It will be a great selling point. All she needs to do is organize a few items in baskets or bins so it creates a more streamlined look and visually creates even more space.
Your Realtor is working with you to achieve a common goal-selling your property. This is our area of expertise. Our advice on how to prepare your home is in your best interest. If we suggest repainting the walls or rearranging furniture or taking some items off of the kitchen counter, please do not take it personally. We are not criticizing your taste. We are simply merchandising your home to obtain top dollar.
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