Before you put your house on the market, here are some dos and don’ts
Finally decided that you need a new home? Whether your growing family is causing your house to burst at the seams or you just want to find a different neighborhood, now is an ideal time to look for something new.
While you may be anxious to start packing, in order to get a great price for your home, there are things you need to do, or not do, as the case may be. Here’s how you can avoid some home-value killers:
Be careful with renovations
If you have done any sort of online search for home improvements that bring the best ROI, you’ve surely seen both kitchen and bathroom remodels on several lists. And while this is true, not just any remodel will do. For the kitchen, new countertops and cabinets are usually a great bet. But people can run into trouble when they bring inexpensive appliances. You may love to cook, but maybe the next folks won’t, so they’re not going to want to pay extra for a high-end kitchen.
As for bathrooms, it can be easy to fall into trendy traps. If you were planning to style yours based on pictures of celebrity mansions you saw in US Weekly, you may want to rethink that. Mainstream features and neutral colors are the much wiser choice.
Get things fixed
Nothing will bring a home’s value down faster than major repairs. If you have an old and worn-out roof, a barely working HVAC system, or any other significant problems, potential homebuyers will find out. They’ll either expect you to make the repairs or lower your asking price. If you don’t want to do either, you’ll have a tough time getting anybody to buy.
Clean up your yard
It may be a cliché, but you do only get one chance to make a first impression. This is why your yard has to be on point. Mowing and trimming are important, but landscaping isn’t the only thing to focus on. For example, if you have a dilapidated shed or a fence that’s falling down, they could hurt your house’s value. The same is true for kitschy items like that little gnome village you thought was so darling. When it comes to preparing your home to sell, it’s worth paying attention to even minor things you may not think matter much.
Paint your house
Just as your yard plays a big role in your home’s curb appeal, so does its paint job. If the paint is peeling or faded, this will immediately turn people off, which means you need a new coat. But you shouldn’t necessarily go with the same color. Just like the interior of your home, neutral colors like white or blue are usually best. And don’t forget about your front door. Be sure to pick a color that is a great accent to the rest of the house.
For more tips on maximizing your home’s value, talk to Dante Disabato. He can also help you find the perfect new home to move to. Give us a call today at 239-537-5351 or contact us through our online form.
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