Fixing Up Your Home Before You Sell vs Selling As-Is

Should you set funds aside to fix up your home before you list your property for sale, or is it best to sell your home “as-is”?

Resolving the most pertinent items to repair and maintain prior to putting your home on the market will give you as a seller a higher final dollar proceed at the close of the sale. This is the primary reason I recommend taking care of certain items before you list your home.

First and foremost be sure to hire a trusted real estate professional to provide a competitive market analysis on your property and determine the demand for your style home and neighborhood.

If you have lived in your home for 10+ years we recommend hiring an inspector to determine if there are any significant issues which will turn up during the inspection period. For example, electrical issues, plumbing, or foundation problems will become terms for negotiation later.

Here are our top three items worth investing in before you sell:

1. Painting

A fresh coat of paint can make a world of difference and it’s one of the easiest and inexpensive ways to update the look of your home prior to listing.

Light and bright or neutrals are preferred as they appeal to the masses. By keeping the paint simple, buyers can easier picture their furniture, wall décor etc. in the home and envision it as their own. At Stella Leigh Realty we provide bids at discounted rates from the best vendors in town.

Pro Tip: Not every room may necessarily require a full paint. Some rooms may benefit from cleaning and touch up. Focus on any dark walls, rooms with chipping paint and the main living areas.

Paint Color: White Dove Benjamin Moore

2. Exterior

The exterior curb appeal is the first thing buyers will see, so you want it to look appealing. Replace missing fence boards, add sod or mulch and clean up any junk that may have accumulated in the yard or on the outside of any storage sheds.

Make sure grass is mowed, weeds are cleaned up, etc. You can also plant some flowers in planters to add a pop of color.

Most importantly, if there are leaves all over the roof, missing shingles or issues with chipping paint, these items should be patched up prior to placing the home on the market.

3. Kitchen

Everyone wants a large, spacious kitchen to cook and entertain family and friends. Now your kitchen may not satisfy these desires without significant upgrades however, it’s always advisable to make minor improvements that will make your kitchen appear more inviting. Simple changes such as lighting upgrades, new sink and faucet, and/or countertops which can be replaced without the large investment of a full remodel. Quartz is more cost effective and more modern than granite countertops. New kitchen cabinets are typically not worth the investment however re-facing cabinetry with high end lacquered paint and new sleek hardware can give you the return of investment similar to installing brand new cabinets.

Pro Tip: Add a few pendants above an island or a chandelier over the dining room area. These pops of style will transform your kitchen and create desirability for potential buyers.

I hope you found this information insightful and enjoyable. If you’re considering selling your home let’s get together and determine the best options for you. We are happy to look at your home and give you targeted advice which will help you achieve the best results for your circumstances.