Small Fixes That Add TOP Dollar
Introduction
First and foremost, put your home in the best condition possible, especially if you are in a market with few buyers and lots of homes for sale. That means taking care of any major repairs that could deter a buyer (such as replacing any broken windows or replacing a leaky roof) if you can afford it. Next, work on your home's curb appeal. Make sure your landscape is pristine. Mow the grass, clean up any debris and weed the garden beds. Plant a few annual flowers near the entrance or in pots to be placed by the door.
Other quick fixes that don't cost a lot of money, but can help you get top dollar for your home:
- Clean the windows and make sure the paint is not chipped or flaking.
- Be sure that the doorbell works.
- Clean and freshen up rooms, furnishings, floors, walls and ceilings. Make sure that bathrooms and kitchens are spotless.
- Organize closets.
- Make sure the basic appliances and fixtures work. Replace leaky faucets and frayed cords.
- Eliminate the source of any bad smells, such as the kitty litter box. Use air freshener or bake a batch of cookies before your open house to ensure that the house smells inviting.
- Invest in a couple of vases of fresh flowers to place around the house and next to any information about the house you have prepared for buyers.
Typical Home Improvement Projects That Add Value:
- Kitchen and bathroom remodeling
- Add a deck or a family room
- Replacing windows and siding
- Adding a bathroom
Attract Buyers By Fixing Up The Outside
- A well kept lawn implies a well maintained home. Cut lawn weekly while showing your home. Rake leaves and sweep sidewalk on weekends when house is to be shown.
- Remove dead limbs and debris from shrubs and trees.
- Plant extra flowers for more color or spruce up landscaping with potted flowers.
- Repair fences and touch-up with paint or stain.
- Store lawn equipment, toys and other outdoor items away neatly. Board dog or other large pets with neighbors while showing the house
- Repaint or replace mailbox. The Front Entrance Of Your Home Is A Key Part Of The "First Impression."
- Paint, clean or stain the front door. Remove old screens if they don't fit or operate properly.
- Make sure entry light and doorbell are in working order.
- Replace missing house numbers and make sure the number is visible from the street in the early evening.
- Put out a nice welcome mat and a potted plant if you have room on steps or entrance way.
- Roof, Windows and Siding: Experienced home owners often ignore miss-aligned shutters, bent gutters and loose shingles (unless there is a leak). These things jump out at first-time home buyers as signs to avoid your house.
- Paint and repair gutters. Repair loose shingle and flashing in roof, especially when visible from the ground. Paint window sashes, trim and shutters. Replace cracked window panes, and wash entire window.
- Clean and paint siding as needed. White or something very close is the best color for aluminum, wood or synthetic siding.
- Eliminate Inside Clutter And Get TOP Price
Get A Home Inspection Done So That You Can Eliminate The Headache Of Finding Out Any Bad News Later.
