Many homeowners are asking me what home improvements do they have to do to sell their home in the current market. They are seeing sales increase in their own neighborhoods and they are comparing features in those houses with their own.
While some of my recommendations are price range specific, there are some basics that help in any price range in the Triangle area:
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Tidiness – While most of us don’t describe our house that way on a daily basis, buyers need to look beyond your “stuff”. They want to see the amount of countertop space in the kitchen and bathrooms; they want to see how big the garage is; they want imagine their things in the house that you are trying to sell. So, rent that storage unit or make a commitment to purge items you keep around but don’t use. Tidy and clean are not the same, so be sure your house is clean also, including windows, floors, bathrooms and baseboards.
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Curb Appeal – First impressions are still a top priority when you sell your home. If you don’t have a large budget for your yard or the exterior, you can do a few inexpensive things:
- Clean the entryway of cobwebs, mildew,etc.
- Paint the front door and trim.
- Replace exterior light fixtures and doorbell if they look old or rusty.
- Powerwash your front walkway and driveway.
- Even if you live in a community where the yard maintenance is done for you, take the time and do extra sprucing up at the entrance or pay a professional to do it.
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Wallpaper – While it can be a pain to do yourself or expensive if you hire a professional, you have to remove wallpaper to have a marketable house. The buyers are going to see any wallpaper as a project they will have to do and make your house less appealing. Wallpaper also makes a house feel older to buyers. Offering a painting or wallpaper allowance is not an alternative unless you are selling your house as a fixer-upper.
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Kitchen – buyers make a lot of their decisions online so if the photos of your kitchen are not appealing your house will get fewer showings. Buyers are looking for newer appliances and countertops first. They look at the kitchen layout and pantry second. Granite is still the standard countertop buyers want, but in lower priceranges the buyers tend to be more open-minded about the color and material of the kitchen countertops.
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Flooring – buyers love hardwood floors. The color of hardwoods buyers prefer varies but buyers feel like carpeted areas cheapen the space and it feels more like an apartment than a home. If you can afford to upgrade your floors in the main areas such as the living room, that often is a good investment for selling. However, if you aren’t sure you’ll get your money back from this improvement, be sure to ask your agent before spending the money on this upgrade.
Note Buyers: Interestingly, buyers like updates of major systems such as the heating and air conditioning and roof but they won’t be willing to pay an extra $5,000-10,000 for your house versus the same house with an older roof or heating and air system. Cosmetic improvements are a bigger bang for the buck.
If you have a specific question about an improvement, feel free to contact me at 919-818-5001 or Contact Amy Shair directly here.
About Amy
Amy Shair, has been an Award-Winning RE/MAX United Agent for 20+ Years.
Amy’s passion of education for Sellers and best options for Buyers has made her a top tier Agent. Amy will “give it to you straight” with “no fluff”.
Amy’s clients appreciate her vast experience and straightforward insight working on their behalf. Contact Amy at 919-818-5001 or Contact Amy here.
