Many sellers grapple with trying to figure out how to maximize profit when selling their properties. While certain factors, such as market conditions, the Realtor® you hire, and the location of your property undoubtedly have some impact on your ability to sell, the condition of your house is extremely important. Without a doubt, a home with a dated kitchen and/or bathrooms is likely to sell for less (or take longer) than a home where these updates have been completed. The question sellers face, however, is whether or not it’s worth the investment. The answer varies… Following are a few tips to consider when deciding how much money to invest into a home that you plan to sell, whether now or in the future.
Minor Changes Can Make a Major Difference
Envision your home from the view of a prospective buyer. It’s almost always worth it to invest in fresh paint (& using spackle to repair holes in the wall, etc. prior to painting). It’s also wise to repair any house components which are not in excellent condition. (Consider broken lights, cracked glass, difficult door handles &/or locks, etc.) Ask yourself whether the colors you’ve chosen will be universally appreciated by most buyers. (Check HGTV & other current media for the current popular colors). If in doubt, paint neutral tones, which will be aesthetically pleasing to as many people as possible. Consider stripping and replacing caulk around bathtubs, showers and sink fixtures as needed.
Decide to Invest Further If Advised
Consider carefully the Realtor that you will choose. Having an experienced Realtor view your home and make suggestions on items to complete prior to listing – can be invaluable! Some tips we’ve often shared over the years are:
- Consider removing carpets and exposing hardwood when possible.
- Consider updates to kitchens and bathrooms.
- Consider fresh paint on entry doors.
- Consider a new/updated appliance package.
- Consider updating bathroom vanities, kitchen cabinets (&/or countertops &/or hardware!)
Having a professional, knowledgeable Realtor you can trust is likely to pay huge dividends by allowing you to invest wisely into your home, based on your Realtor’s proven industry expertise and recommendations!
Avoid Major Renovations – Most Of The Time
Are you convinced that you’ll achieve a great return for your investment if you make major renovations? You may be setting yourself up for disappointment. In reality, many sellers only recoup a fraction of the money that they invest into renovations. You potentially risk alienating some buyers because of your design choices. At The Jennifer King Team, we advise seeking professional guidance before making major changes. We would be happy to provide you with a complimentary, no-obligation consultation! Remember – it’s much better to get advice early in the process vs having regrets later. All-too-often, we’ve arrived to meet with new seller clients – who excitedly show us their homes, including all of the updates and upgrades they’ve done, only to be disappointed to discover they didn’t necessarily invest into the items that may have brought a larger return of their time and money. As professionals with years of experience in the local real estate market, we’d be happy to provide you with the guidance you need any time you’re considering making changes, so that you won’t be disappointed with your choices when you decide to sell!
Ready for your consultation? Call 717-723-9080 to gain the expertise of The Jennifer King Team when selling in southeastern / south-central Pennsylvania!
