Due to the global economic downturn in recent years, the real estate world has been a buyer’s market. But that doesn’t mean you can’t sell your home! When housing costs drop, you may need to take a few steps to sell your home at a particular price. Here are some tips for creating value:
1. Get unofficial feedback.
Find a person you trust to give you an official and unbiased evaluation of your home and garden. It is essential that you are completely honest when giving your opinion. This should include both the strengths and weaknesses of the home. We see our houses almost every day, so our perception of them may become skewed. Having a second party do the evaluation will help avoid that subjectivity.
2. Clean house.
This includes the interior and exterior of the home, as well as your garden. If you plan to sell your home, getting rid of all the clutter will make your relocation much easier. It will also provide you with a clearer view of your home floor plan, allowing you to determine what changes to make. What should you do with all the “stuff” you want to get rid of? Sell it through a garage sale or put it in a warehouse.
3. Choose neutral colors.
What is your favorite color? While neutral colors tend to be some of the least favorite shades, most of us can tolerate looking at them on a day-to-day basis. So remember that while blue or green may be a potential buyer’s least favorite colors, they may be more indifferent to white, black, gray, and beige.
4. Make home improvements.
If you intend to sell your home soon, then obviously you should avoid tearing down and installing walls. But there are still a host of home improvements you can do that will increase the value of your home and help you sell it faster. You can replace the roof, paint the walls, install new siding or windows, replace the entry doors, etc. An important issue to consider before making home improvements is whether they are profitable. Some home improvements can cost a small fortune, but they may not significantly increase the aesthetic or monetary value of your home. So choose wisely!
5. Remember the details.
Do this before putting your home on the market. A dent in your siding may seem insignificant, but important to a prospective home buyer.
6. Modernize your bathroom and kitchen.
Owners tend to renovate these rooms less often than living rooms, bedrooms, dining rooms, etc. But potential buyers will see these rooms too, so making sure they are somewhat up to date is crucial. Some of the most important issues to consider are lighting, cabinets, and appliances.
Yes, you can still sell your home in a buyer’s market for whatever price you want. These tips will help add value to your home and increase your chances of seeing a “Sold!” Sign in front of your house.
