Over the years I've developed the following list of repairs, upgrades, or renovations that I recommend for sellers when they are planning to sell their home. Most of the time when they are done, they will tell me that they should have done these sooner. So, even if you are not planning to sell, these changes will make your home feel like new.
1. Paint the inside and outside of your home. You should use a neutral color inside and an outside color that is suitable for the architecture and neighborhood. Get rid of the chipping paint and wallpaper!
2. New Neutral Carpet. Select a nice, neutral tone carpet and replace the old one. Do not install white carpet.
3. Make Repairs. Take you "to do" list that you've been putting off and finish those projects. Repair scratched cabinets, broken windows, holes in walls, damaged trim and baseboards, resurface your hardwood floors, etc...
4. New Artwork and Decorations. Replace any outdated artwork or photos with new artwork and decor that appeals to today's buyers.
5. De-clutter. Remove photos, old furniture, books, and nick knacks from the home. You are moving, so pack it away and store it off-site.
6. Re-Stage your home. Take some time to try something different. Move the furniture around and use it change the look.
7. Granite Counter Tops in Kitchen. Buyer's definitely want granite in the kitchens these days. I strongly consider that you consider this option.
8. New Windows. Remove old windows with new dual paned, energy efficient windows. Check with your State for financial incentives to off-set the cost of installing these.
9. Scrape the Popcorn Ceilings. If you have popcorn ceilings they need to go.
10. Replace Old Lighting Fixtures. Install new, modern designed fixtures in bathrooms, living areas, and bedrooms. Brushed nickle and brushed copper are really in right now.
11.New Roof . If you have a wood shake roof, most insurance companies will make the new homeowner install a new roof within 45 days. You, as the seller, can take the time and shop for the best roof at the best price and it will help you sell your home a lot faster.
After all this, you might ask, "Why don't we just redo everything?" That's a great question. Perhaps you should. Today's buyers are expecting to get a home in great condition. It doesn't have to be perfect but it should be updated.
If you are lacking inspiration, take a trip to a new home site near you and look at the new homes and how they are designed. Notice the colors, carpeting, photos and artwork, bedroom sets, and furniture. They design their homes that way because that is the way people want to live. If a buyer can envision themselves living in your home, they are likely to make an offer. If they cannot see past your personal style because it doesn't "fit" their style or it's too much work, they will not write than offer.
Will the value of your house go up because you have done all these things? Actually, not as much as you'd like. What you will find, however, is that you will be able to sell your home for full market value in a very short amount of time instead of giving a huge discount on the price.
If you need recommendations for designers or contractors that can do the work recommended here, please contact me today and I'd be happy to provide you a list of vendors that I have approved.
Aaron Zapata, MBA, REALTOR
Prudential CA Realty
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How to Update a Light Fixture - The Home Depotby homedepot80,998 views
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