When it comes to selling a home, there are so many things to think about that it can quickly become stressful and overwhelming. Knowing how best to go about staging your home, how to know what buyers are looking for, and what sort of budget to set is important and can make or break a sale, and so can the types of projects you take on. Adding on a sun porch may seem like a great way to up the resale value, but not every homebuyer will be looking for that sort of addition. Updates and upgrades to the kitchen and bathrooms, however, can make buyers very happy, and can ensure that you get every penny you’re asking for.
It’s imperative to set a budget before you begin any projects, and figure out what you can do yourself and which tasks will require a professional. Getting organized in the very beginning will prevent any nasty surprises down the road and will help you stay focused on the job at hand, which will in turn keep your timeline on schedule. Think about the best time to sell your home. Do some research online to find out how much you can get for your home and the most popular months for homebuyers to attend open houses. For example, the median listing price for a home in Wellington, FL, is $475,000.
Finding the best listing agent will also allow you to get a leg up on the competition because you can price your home competitively, and it will also help when you’re ready to post your home online in order to promote it with bright photos and engaging descriptions. A good listing agent can help you make the most of your online presence.
Rip up that carpet
Tearing up carpet and replacing it with hardwood or laminate can help you recover nearly 100 percent of the cost, and it will almost guarantee a faster sell. Homebuyers these days are looking for houses that are easy to take care of, and bare floors are much easier to keep clean than carpet, especially if there are kids and pets in the mix. Depending on where you live, the cost to replace carpet may vary greatly; get online to check prices and compare contractor rates.
Update the bathrooms
While the kitchen and bathrooms are generally the priciest rooms to renovate, there are also several DIY projects you can do to update them that won’t break the bank. Replacing the fixtures, adding safety features to the bathtub such as a grab bar, and adding storage solutions can really make big changes for a small chunk of change. If there are bigger projects you want to pursue--the kind that involve plumbing or wiring--call a pro before trying to do it yourself.
Stage and clean
Cleaning your home is essential before you put it on the market. A good deep cleaning will involve the floors, furniture, draperies, and even the walls. Go over every room to look for any issues that can be repaired or cleaned, such as chipped paint, dingey baseboards, and dusty ceiling fans, and remove at least one item of furniture from each area to make the space look bigger. When that’s done, stage your home for buyers by removing any signs of your pets and overly-personal items, such as family photos.
Figuring out how to sell your home quickly can involve a lot of details, so it’s imperative that you are well prepared and have done your research before you start on projects. Talk to a listing agent who can help you along the way, and seek the advice of professionals before tackling any major renovations.
Author
Suzie Wilson is an interior designer with more than 20 years experience. What started as a hobby (and often, a favor to friends) turned into a passion for creating soothing spaces in homes of every size and style. While her goal always includes making homes look beautiful, her true focus is on fashioning them into serene, stress-free environments that inspire tranquility in all who enter.
The Ultimate Guide to Prepping Your Home for an Open House is filled with tips, tricks and other advice based on Suzie’s years of experience in interior home design that will set you up for success.