Preparing to Sell

May 9, 2011 | Real Estate, Sellers

The April/May 2011 REALTOR magazine (a trade magazine for REALTORS from the National Assocation of Realtors) published an article titled “6 Worth the Price Fix-Ups”.  The list comes from HomeGain’s annual home improvement and staging survey who asked 600 real estate professionals to see what DIY home improvement projects give sellers the biggest return for their money.  These six projects under $1,000 investment made the list.

1. Cleaning and Decluttering ($290 Cost, $1,990 Return) Remove any personal items, unclutter countertops, organize closets and shelves, and make the home sparkling clean.
2. Brightening ($375 Cost, $1,550 Return) Clean all windows inside and out, replace old curtains, update lighting fixtures, and remove anything that blocks light from the windows.
3. Smart Staging ($550 Cost, $2,194 Return) Rearrange furniture, bring in new accessories and furnishings to enhance rooms, incorporate artwork, and play soft music in the background.
4. Landscaping Enhancements ($540 Cost, $1,932 Return) Punch up the home’s curb appeal in the front and back yard by adding bark mulch, bushes, and flowers and ensuring current plants and grass are well-cared for and manicured.
5. Repairing Electrical or Plumbing ($535 Cost, $1,505 Return) Fix leaks under the sinks, remove any mildew stains, and ensure all plumbing is in good working condition.  Update the home’s electrical with new wiring for modern appliances, fix any lights or outlets that don’t work, and replace old plug points with new safety fixtures.
6. Replacing or Shampooing Dity Carpets ($647 Cost, $1,739  Return) Steam-clean carpets, replace any worn carpets, and repair any floor creaks.

This is a good list to show how sometimes it doesn’t take much money to increase your home’s value.  In this very competitive real estate market pricing and condition are critical to successfully selling your home.  We always tell our clients (and potential clients) to get us involved in the process early to make sure you spend the money where you will get the most return for your house.  For one home cleaning the carpets may be the most important item, but in another the landscaping may need the money – get a professional’s opinion before you spend a dime.  We also offer staging to each of our clients because sometimes with the help of our crafty and creative stager it may not cost anything to rearrage the furniture you already have or you may just need a few accessories to make your house look great.

Again, the key to the whole process is to have a professional that can guide you through the process and help you get that home sold.  The Marr Team has great results getting homes sold quickly and for more money so let’s talk about how we can do it for you too!