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Getting your home ready to sell is no small feat—there are so many decisions to make! Once you decide to sell your home, the next thought should be, How do I make my home more marketable? Or, more specifically, should I make the necessary updates and repairs or sell as is?
The answer is dependent on the local housing market. Your home’s value partly depends on whether you’re listing during a buyer's or seller's market. For example, you’ll likely need to pull out all the stops to appeal to a large pool of home buyers during a buyers market.
But during a seller's market, you might get away with polishing what already exists and sell the house with just a little sweat equity. In other words, there’s no need to tear out the carpet, replace the roof, and spit-shine every square inch to sell your home.
“As a Realtor who represents both experienced and first-time homebuyers, 'turn-key' is a request I most often get. Meaning they don’t want to have to do anything to move in. If it’s a realistic option, fresh paint, luxury vinyl plank floors, and quartz countertops are the highly desired upgrades right now and attract a lot of attention. But there are other more affordable options to help you attract a buyer, too. If you are on a budget, you might be surprised what a few tricks and tips can do to show your home in its best light. Don’t underestimate what new drawer pulls, light fixtures, bright white switch plate covers and what a pro cleaning job can do!" - Shannon Cole, Shannon Cole Properties
The bottom line? A spruced-up space can help you sell your home faster and turn a larger profit. And let’s be honest, who doesn’t want to see more profit? So let’s get to it! Take a look at these recommended updates and tips for selling your house.
Focus on the Big Issues
If you’re willing to dive into a few larger projects to increase your home’s value, then paying closer attention to areas with a high return on investment will serve you well.
1. Start with the kitchen.
Start with the room where buyers spend the most time: the kitchen. An updated kitchen is high on everyone’s priority list. And while some homebuyers are willing to renovate to transform it into their dream space, others are not. Instead, hand those move-in-ready buyers your kitchen on a silver platter.
What are homebuyers looking for, exactly? They want a high-functioning, spacious, and organized cook space. If your kitchen appears small with limited storage and outdated appliances and finishes, then discuss with your real estate professional whether it makes sense to replace the hardware, countertops, and fixtures, or even consider tearing down a wall to expand the space.
But what if you don’t have the time or money to make updates? We’re all familiar with the pace of military moves that don’t always lend themselves a lengthy timeline. Is it necessary to gut the room and start from scratch? Not necessarily.
Since most homeowners might see a return of 50-60% on a complete kitchen overhaul, it’s not a bad idea to stick to simple updates and avoid over-improving, which can result in a loss of money at the time of sale. Home sellers typically see a 60-80% return on investment (ROI) for minor kitchen remodels, recouping most costs.
It might only take a few updates to freshen up the kitchen and attract buyers:
- Install new hardware
- Purchase shiny, new appliances
- Install updated and/or additional lighting
- Apply a fresh coat of paint to the walls (and maybe the cabinets, too)
2. Pretty up the bathroom.
What’s the second most-used room in any home? The bathroom, of course! Bathrooms might not be used for pretty things, but we all like them to look pretty while they do their job. Your goal is to make it look as large, bright, and clean as you can before selling.
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How can you accomplish this without funding a complete overhaul? Focus on these bathroom details:
- Replace old fixtures
- Install a new vanity
- Recaulk the shower
- Replace tiles
- Replace flooring
- Paint
Does your home have a primary en suite bathroom? Many older homes do not. But do you know what home buyers really want in their next home? You guessed it, an en suite bathroom. While this project consumes precious time and money, it can make the difference between selling and stagnating on the market.
3. Make exterior updates.
Your property’s exterior is crucial. It makes the first impression, after all. Does this scenario sound familiar? You found a listing online and eagerly drove past it in hopes of finding the house, but upon seeing the neglected exterior, you kept on driving. It happens more often than you might realize.
The great news is, freshening up your home’s curb appeal doesn’t have to break the bank. A handful of small projects can help capture the attention of potential homebuyers.
Easy home exterior updates:
- Apply a fresh coat of paint
- Plant vibrant, healthy landscaping
- Replace broken railings
- Fix cracks in the cement
- Pressure wash the exterior of the home and pavement (driveway, sidewalk, porch)
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Minor Home Repairs and Updates
Let’s go back to the original question: Should you make repairs or sell as is? Your answer might be no when it comes to larger repairs and projects around the home, but that doesn’t mean that you should ignore all improvement projects. If a turn-key solution is the goal, then it’s essential to perform regular maintenance and make minor modifications throughout the home as needed.
Time for fresh paint.
A fresh coat of neutral paint on the walls is one of the least expensive ways to update your space. Not only does it clean up lived-in walls, but it also creates a blank slate for buyers to envision their belongings in the space.
Clean or replace flooring.
Just as crucial as pristine walls is the need for clean flooring. That might involve cleaning the carpet, refinishing hardwood floors, or scrubbing the grout in tiled areas. If the home has carpet throughout, consider replacing it in the main living areas altogether. Remember, just like every trend, the public’s affection for carpet ebbs and flows.
Consider smart home technology.
Minor additions, such as smart home features, aren’t a significant undertaking when preparing your home to sell, but they are an attractive asset to home buyers. Consider upgrading the thermostat to the Nest system (or similar) so the new owner can control the temperature right from their phone.
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Replace hardware.
Is your home still sporting brass doorknobs brought to life by the ’90s? It’s time to let them go. Replace outdated hardware throughout your home with something more modern, like brushed nickel, silver, or black.
Read more about the 4 Things That Turn Home Buyers Off.
Patch the walls.
Remember all the extra holes behind photos you made, trying to get the frame to hang just right? Now’s the time to fill them. Oh, and don’t forget about the baseball-sized dent your kids made when they were having a little too much fun in the house; it needs repairs, too.
Replace light bulbs.
You’d better believe every light in your home will shine for showings. Replace any burned-out bulbs. It’s simple, and the consequences for not doing so are far greater than the effort it takes to screw them in, especially if low natural light is an issue in your house.
Install new appliances.
If your current household helpers are on the fritz, a shiny new dishwasher, refrigerator, oven, or washer and dryer can go a long way toward reassuring a buyer that everything is in perfect working order. And it doesn’t hurt that they look nice, too.
Replace torn window screens.
The wind, pets, kids, and accidents happen, but potential buyers don’t need to know that. Take a walk around the house and fix any torn or unsightly screens.
Fix the hidden issues.
It should go without saying that before listing your home for sale, you’ll need to attend to any leaks, cracks, and water damage around the property.
Clean the whole house.
Lastly, it’s time for a deep clean. This may be one of the most important tips for selling your house. The biggest turn-off for any home buyer isn’t going to be the 1970s kitchen; it’ll be the dingy baseboards, cluttered counters, and dust bunnies floating across the floor. Clear out all unnecessary items in your home, then invest in a professional cleaner to make your home sparkle brighter than it has ever been before.
If you’re looking for more incentive to spark interest in these smaller yet tedious updates, Realtor Shannon Cole also notes,
“Another priority is making sure your home is ready for inspection. Once you have an accepted a contract, the buyers will likely have it checked out from top to bottom. Electrical, plumbing, or roofing issues can sometimes be a deal-breaker, or at the very least, leverage for negotiations that are often in the buyers' favor. Remedy any known problems in advance, or have multiple quotes in hand and be prepared to disclose them upfront and offer a credit.”
Home Upgrades You Can Skip
Not every upgrade or renovation is an equal opportunity to increase your home's value. So, discuss these costly upgrades with a real estate professional before spending money you might not recoup.
Garage Overhaul
When converting your garage into a home gym or an office, you can't anticipate how the buyer will want to use the space. Many people seek out large garages to use for their intended purpose. Maintain the integrity of the home and allow the buyer to make these larger modifications if they feel the need to.
Replacing a Bedroom
The space conversion rule also applies to bedrooms.
“If your ‘home office’ space is really a bedroom, don’t advertise it as such. Bedrooms often equal value. So list the largest number of bedrooms you can and let potential buyers imagine what they can do with the extra room.” -6 Upgrades You Can Skip When Selling Your Home
Installing a Pool
Even if other homes in the area feature luxurious pools or hot tubs, the return on investment is relatively low. It’s best to focus on other household necessities and let the buyer make this addition.
Finishing the Basement
While it often means an additional playroom, man cave, extra bedroom, or project area, an unfinished basement isn’t necessarily a deal-breaker. Many home buyers will welcome the opportunity to customize this space to their liking.
Still, a finished basement can add value to your home, so it’s a good idea to take a look at the market, your finances, and your selling timeline to make an educated decision as to whether you should start this project.
Getting your house ready to sell is undoubtedly a significant undertaking, even if you’re a seasoned home seller. With all the tools and resources made available, you can have the confidence to budget your repair projects and get started. And when you’re ready to list your immaculate home on the market, you know where to go—MilitaryByOwner!
If you're thinking of selling your home, the paperwork can seem overwhelming. Understand what documents you need to seal the deal with our free download below.
