Home Sellers - Smart Fix Ups to Sell For Top Dollar
Your home is not in great shape, 30 years old and it looks every
day of it. There are some things you must do just to get rid of
it, why not do a little more and make some money on the deal. 7
fix ups to help you sell fast and get top dollar.
1)Curb Appeal - Dress up the landscape add mulch at all
planting areas shape into curved borders, use to cover around
all trees spread wide and cover bare areas. The mulch will help
define the landscape, add flowers and shrubs, cut and edge lawn.
Keep trim and turn mulch for fresh appearance.
2)Exterior Problems - Roof is way past its life span (the
buyers home inspector or Bank appraiser will require it to be
replaced, so why not do it before at a cost you can negotiate)
replace roof use Architectural grade shingles costs more in
material but the labor is the same. Replace any damaged or
rotted wood including decks and porches. Repaint exterior
siding, trim, windows and shutters.
3)Doors and Windows - Make sure every one is operating
properly it is well worth the cost to have a contractor come in
and make everything work. New window balances, locks, replace
broken and fogged glass, adjust all doors, thresholds, and
locksets. Patio sliders always are misaligned replace rollers
for better operation, install new screen.
4)Appliances and Mechanical Systems - If your appliances
are more than 10 years old replace them they don't work
efficiently and are way out of style. No need to buy high end
but they must be high style. Match all kitchen appliances pick a
contemporary look. No doubt the mechanical systems are big
ticket items a 30 year old a/c unit must go, air handler unit
compare cost of refurbish versus replacement. Water heater
should have been replaced 10 years earlier if not replace.
5)Kitchens and Baths - Your counter tops are beat up
replace or refinish. Wood cabinets can be repainted or
refinished, change out hardware new door handles and drawer
pulls. Replace faucets with new contemporary look. Check light
fixtures there are great low cost designer fixtures at the big
box stores.
6)Flooring - Ceramic tile if in good condition consider
cleaning and staining the grout for a new fresh look. Replace
carpet and padding use good quality not high end. Vinyl flooring
if not newer replace. Hardwood floors scratched dull no shine
refinish.
7)Walls and Ceilings - Repaint every room paint walls and
trim in complementary neutral 2-color. Paint ceilings white.
Paint all doors both sides same as trim. Make house as fresh and
new as possible.
Every item on this list will affect your listing agent their
market analysis and suggested list price of your home. They each
will affect the buyer and the buyer's agent in what the offer
price will be. Even if they over look some items when the home
inspector comes in they will nail every one of these repairs
with an estimated cost of two to three times the actual cost you
can negotiate. This home in 30 year old condition will sell at
20% below the market with these fix ups as a top condition home
with warranties you can get 10% to 15% above the market. A
35% difference and a great part of that stays in your
pocket.