If you're ready to sell your home and it has been "locked in time" for a while, think about what needs to be done to make it more marketable. Unless you're considering a comprehensive rehab, there are at least some things you can do to get the best price possible. Certain remodeling and updating tasks can make all the difference. Absent doing these things, you can expect a lower selling price. Depending on your budget, time and energy, maybe taking less in recognition of the house's shortcomings is the best way to go.
If you're looking for the best possible return on investment, consider these fixes to attract more potential buyers.
- Improve the kitchen. For many families, the kitchen and adjoining areas are the epicenter for family members and should be inviting for both the cooks and grazers in the family. Upgrades to countertops, cabinets, lighting and appliances are a wise investment.
- Bathrooms need to be clean, private and comfortable-looking. It is almost always worth the return on investment to update the sink, cabinet and lighting fixtures. Also, if the bathtub is dated, consider a reglazing treatment, which can include surrounding tile, done professionally, of course. Finally, consider the commodes. Are they small and dated? Probably best to replace them if so.
- Walls and floors can easily date a house. Remove the wallpaper and paint the house with a neutral light color. Carpeting the house with a medium-light carpeting or investing in laminate or luxury vinyl flooring is the way to go if you need to fix the deficiencies of flooring.
- Curb Appeal: Look around to make sure the impression from the outside is the best possible. Take some time to rake leaves, cut the lawn, trim the bushes and trim trees that are conflicting with the roof or are otherwise getting in the way. Much of this you can do yourself, but getting professional help for some of it might be the way to go for the more involved projects. It can also help to have some planted flowers, or even some potted ones near the front entrance.
Take a look at other houses selling in the area, especially houses that have been completely rehabbed, often by professional house flippers. Looking at the photos will likely give you a good idea of the best current presentations to get the best possible sale price.