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Answers (22)
- Tom Lynch, "tlynch26"
- Contributions:304
Neat. Clean. And uncluttered is most important.
When you get to the point of interviewing real estate agents, ask for their advice on your home.
Good luck!
When you get to the point of interviewing real estate agents, ask for their advice on your home.
Good luck!
- Maribeth Reece, "mreece"
- Contributions:20
Concentrate on health and safety issues, and repair as many as possible. These will be items that will be called by an appraiser as well as home inspectors. Remove as much clutter as possible on the inside of your home, and think "model home" look. Also pay close attention to curb appeal. Good luck!
- Frank Rosati, "Frank Rosati"
- Contributions:23
Start by making sure that it has good curb appeal. Mowing the lawn, trimming shrubs, edge the garden, add color and fill bare spots with plantings, take stains off of driveway, paint the front door and mailbox, clean all fixtures (lights, doorbell, hardware) and make sure they are in working order....I have an extensive checklist that has 76 items on it that addresses the exterior and each an every room of the interior. If you would like a copy, let me know and I will email it to you. You can then pick and choose what is in your budget.
Best,
Frank
Best,
Frank
- Dunes....
- Contributions:3894
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- Christopher Rogers, "christopherrogers"
- Contributions:51
Jovially I start with owning the best house on the finest street in your city! ;-) What you have to do to sell your house changes with what the market dictates and at this very moment in time pricing your home correctly will be the most important thing you can do. The next priority would be to have the property be as neutral as possible and if your budget allows guidance of a really good stager will maximize your net proceeds if their advise is followed. With your property showing in it's best light, advertised effectively and priced accordingly will no doubt get you the results you desire! Kind regards [contact information deleted by Zillow moderator. Please refer to Good Neighbor Policy]
- sunnyview
- Contributions:25139
I would not pay to hire a home inspector. Instead, focus on fixing things that buyers can see and make sure that house looks as good as possible. Clean everything, declutter and take out ugly furniture, sweep all concrete, touch up peeling paint etc. Those things are inexpensive and really can make a difference.
You also need to make sure that each and every photo you post for your house looks terrific. If they don;t buyers will pass before they ever even see your house in person.
You also need to make sure that each and every photo you post for your house looks terrific. If they don;t buyers will pass before they ever even see your house in person.
- Marian Lake Walker, "Staged 2Gain"
- Contributions:4
Today's sellers have access to an abundance of information they can use to make their homes "more saleable". Clean and uncluttered is basic, and always applies. Does it make sense, in your case, to invest in more improvements? A Real Estate professional who knows your market and has actually seen your home is able to answer that question for you. As so many have commented, that is where you need to start. All the best!
- JoEllen Ufner - ABR,GRI,SFR, "jufner"
- Contributions:397
I would recommend asking a real estate professional in your area and listing with a real estate professional. I walk through my clients homes to help them get ready to sell and sometimes hire a professional stager for my clients...you will save a lot of time my just hiring a real estate professional...best of luck
- Linda Mazzariello, "Linda Mazzariello"
- Contributions:3
I too agree with many of the ideas and suggestions below.
First, you should speak to a local realtor for thier input.
Second, get a pre-inspection to head off any real prolems and address those first.
Third, curb appeal is important as this is your real first impression to draw attention to your property.Rred is a great cloor for flowers as it draws attention. mow lawn, trim trees and shrubs--all free because you can do it yourself.
Fourth, simply paint in nutural colors to give your home a fresh, clean and well maintained apperance. Todays buyer don't want to do much in a home, so save them the time.
Five, and most folks dont evn think of this, but simply clean your windows--in and out. this will bring in more light and will also help make your rooms appear larger than they are. keep drapes and blinds open.
Six, always de-personalize, and declutter. you need to create the illusion of space and allow the buyer to see the area so they can visualize thier items in a room not yours.
Seven, fix and repair the obvious---loose trim, leaky fauctes, etc--and clean, clean clean.
good luck.
First, you should speak to a local realtor for thier input.
Second, get a pre-inspection to head off any real prolems and address those first.
Third, curb appeal is important as this is your real first impression to draw attention to your property.Rred is a great cloor for flowers as it draws attention. mow lawn, trim trees and shrubs--all free because you can do it yourself.
Fourth, simply paint in nutural colors to give your home a fresh, clean and well maintained apperance. Todays buyer don't want to do much in a home, so save them the time.
Five, and most folks dont evn think of this, but simply clean your windows--in and out. this will bring in more light and will also help make your rooms appear larger than they are. keep drapes and blinds open.
Six, always de-personalize, and declutter. you need to create the illusion of space and allow the buyer to see the area so they can visualize thier items in a room not yours.
Seven, fix and repair the obvious---loose trim, leaky fauctes, etc--and clean, clean clean.
good luck.
- Robin Sue Kaiserman, "Robin Sue Kaiserman"
- Contributions:8
The previous suggestion is right on, also I do encourage doing a pre-inspection, that gives you the opportunity to address issues that will arise during an inspection that may cause the buyer to walk away. You can make the necessary repairs on your own terms, which will save money in the long run. RSK
- Erica Bass, "EricaBass"
- Contributions:51
All great answers here to take into consideration, and I greatly agree w/Rachel's input. Keep in mind for a simple, no cost fix; consider de-cluttering, and staging by working with what you've got(arranging the furniture you have in an appealing way). Put away most personal photos, clear kitchen and bathroom counters. Spruce up landscaping by trimming, clearing debris away, etc. Like everyone said, most Realtors will be able to point you in the right direction and give you personalized tips to help prepare your home for sale. Good luck!
- Kevin Kieffer, "Kevin Kieffer"
- Contributions:162
That all depends on your budget. Kitchens are a great place to start as you get a positive return on your investment. Baths are also a good idea as buyers typically look for upgrades in both of those areas. Natural stone for floors in baths and kitchen are higly desirable. Solid countertops which can include Granite or any of the other high tech fabricated countertops are also a plus. If low budget then clean, unclutter and stage and you will be in better shape than not doing those things.
- Angie Diaz & Mike Stastka, "Mike and Angie"
- Contributions:43
Having a home inspection is a good idea, but I suggest you consult with a realtor first.
When lookng for a realtor, make sure this person is a full time agent, and has knowledge of your area or subdivision.
An agent can give you tips on what you you need to fix (that is obvious) and guide you through curb appeal,clutter some inexpensive tips to make your home more appealing.
Good Luck
When lookng for a realtor, make sure this person is a full time agent, and has knowledge of your area or subdivision.
An agent can give you tips on what you you need to fix (that is obvious) and guide you through curb appeal,clutter some inexpensive tips to make your home more appealing.
Good Luck
- Phil Zimbardi, "TOP END Properties"
- Contributions:209
Roof, Furnace and Paint are usually pretty good returns if they are in distress.
- Toan Nguyen, "Toan Nguyen"
- Contributions:140
Seymour, is a small historic town with a population of no more than 20,000 residents. I would first find out who the local realtor is and definitely consult with him or her. Their opinion will be critical in determining what buyers are most concerned about. The realtor will suggest spending about $200/$250 for a good property inspector. This inspector will itemize issues that will be of concern. From this list that he makes, have him prioritize the items that needs immediate attention. Then find a local general contractor that could give you prices on those items that need repairs. With your budget in mind, and the advice of the area realtor, decide which should get the fund and the fix. Good Luck.
- ic4rest
- Contributions:3
Thank you for all your suggestions.
- Dan Kingsley, "TheRealEstateRanger"
- Contributions:110
I agree with the previous comments.
When considering a Realtor ensure you get one that is full time agent. Any Realtor can put your home on the market but do give you the detailed answers that you are asking for you want to make sure they are seasoned and know what they are talking about to get you the best bang for your buck.
When considering a Realtor ensure you get one that is full time agent. Any Realtor can put your home on the market but do give you the detailed answers that you are asking for you want to make sure they are seasoned and know what they are talking about to get you the best bang for your buck.
- Rushel Reed, "Rushel Reed"
- Contributions:308
I agree with many of the comments here, but as you said, there are many items you'd like to complete, but can't afford them all. When choosing your projects, remember that buyers are attracted by the outside first, so your house should look neat and tidy and inviting.
Buyers right now are looking for VERY good deals in GREAT locations. Pricing your home appropriately for your market is key to selling the home. Be realistic when pricing.
Buyers typically don't want 'projects'. If you have items on your to-do list that are material, i.e. areas of dryrot or deterioriation, missing shingles or a leaking faucet, those should be fixed right away. Other items, such as updates to counters, flooring and appliances should wait.
Good luck selling your home!
Buyers right now are looking for VERY good deals in GREAT locations. Pricing your home appropriately for your market is key to selling the home. Be realistic when pricing.
Buyers typically don't want 'projects'. If you have items on your to-do list that are material, i.e. areas of dryrot or deterioriation, missing shingles or a leaking faucet, those should be fixed right away. Other items, such as updates to counters, flooring and appliances should wait.
Good luck selling your home!
- Barbara Levine, "barblevine32795744"
- Contributions:68
A home inspection is a good idea. That way you can fix the problems with the house and will not get any surprises when your house goes under contract and is inspected by the buyer's inspector. Put your best foot forward. Make the house as neat and clean as you can. Declutter and update the lights and faucets, etc. Kitchens and bathrooms sell the house.
Look at the competition and make your house better than those.
Look at the competition and make your house better than those.
- Rachel Dammann, "realtorracheldammann"
- Contributions:17
There are several things you can do to make a home more appealing to buyers:
1. Curb Appeal - trim plants, have the grass nice and green, and add some flowers.
2. Paint - neutral colors appeal to buyers
3. Update kitchens and bathrooms - Kitchens sell a house! Are the appliances newer? Remove clutter on the counter tops to make the kitchen look as big as possible.
4. Stage your furniture - have a stager come and rearrange furniture. A room should feel calming to a buyer so they can visualize a calm, happy life in the home.
5. Ask a Realtor to show you recent solds and active listings. Then you can see what homes looked like that sold and what your competition looks like so you can be better than the rest.
Good Luck!
1. Curb Appeal - trim plants, have the grass nice and green, and add some flowers.
2. Paint - neutral colors appeal to buyers
3. Update kitchens and bathrooms - Kitchens sell a house! Are the appliances newer? Remove clutter on the counter tops to make the kitchen look as big as possible.
4. Stage your furniture - have a stager come and rearrange furniture. A room should feel calming to a buyer so they can visualize a calm, happy life in the home.
5. Ask a Realtor to show you recent solds and active listings. Then you can see what homes looked like that sold and what your competition looks like so you can be better than the rest.
Good Luck!
- Don Fabrizio-Garcia, "FabRealEstate"
- Contributions:140
Actually, having a pre-sale home inspection done is a great thing to do, though it isn't done often in this part of the country.
Having a pre-sale inspection done, you can then make any repairs at your own pace, on your own timeline, and will have the ability to shop for price and options.
Any repairs made once under deposit (due negotiations made after the buyer's home inspections) will have to be done relatively quickly, and any major repairs (such as a leaky shower) will have to be brought back to similar condition. For example, you would have to repair the shower with like tiles, whereas pre-sale, you can do so with a more affordable tile option.
In addition, you will want to work with your real estate agent to stage your home for sale, which may include painting, minor updates and furniture placement. Of course, don't forget to stage your landscape, too.
Take the time now to begin de-cluttering home. Start packing! You want to sell, you want to move, so begin the process now by packing up what you don't need. For now, you can store these items in your garage, but once you're ready to place the home on the market, you will want to consider a storage unit.
As you de-clutter, keep an eye on de-personalizing the home, too. You want to turn your home into a model home that buyers can see themselves living in. Buyers will not be able to view the home as their own if it is full of collectibles and family photos.
I hope this helps!
Having a pre-sale inspection done, you can then make any repairs at your own pace, on your own timeline, and will have the ability to shop for price and options.
Any repairs made once under deposit (due negotiations made after the buyer's home inspections) will have to be done relatively quickly, and any major repairs (such as a leaky shower) will have to be brought back to similar condition. For example, you would have to repair the shower with like tiles, whereas pre-sale, you can do so with a more affordable tile option.
In addition, you will want to work with your real estate agent to stage your home for sale, which may include painting, minor updates and furniture placement. Of course, don't forget to stage your landscape, too.
Take the time now to begin de-cluttering home. Start packing! You want to sell, you want to move, so begin the process now by packing up what you don't need. For now, you can store these items in your garage, but once you're ready to place the home on the market, you will want to consider a storage unit.
As you de-clutter, keep an eye on de-personalizing the home, too. You want to turn your home into a model home that buyers can see themselves living in. Buyers will not be able to view the home as their own if it is full of collectibles and family photos.
I hope this helps!
- Glenn Michael Killey, "Gkilley"
- Contributions:1
Seymour,
The best thing to do to start is have a consultation with a Realtor. We can look at your home and give you tips and advice from our experience on what to do to make the home more appealing. Each home is different and my advice would be different on each home. Before spending around $400 on an inspection, have a Realtor look at your property and sit down with him/her to discuss it.
Glenn Killey
The best thing to do to start is have a consultation with a Realtor. We can look at your home and give you tips and advice from our experience on what to do to make the home more appealing. Each home is different and my advice would be different on each home. Before spending around $400 on an inspection, have a Realtor look at your property and sit down with him/her to discuss it.
Glenn Killey
What should I do to make my home more saleable?
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