8. SELLING: Will renovating always increase
my resale value?
Make conscious decisions when renovating your home. While newer will entice
potential buyers, be cognizant of what rooms you update and how you do it. An updated
kitchen will increase the value of your home, but be sure to appeal to a wide range of
tastes. A good place to start is with the appliances. Realtor.com states that homes with
stainless steel appliances sell 15 percent faster than those without. Updated bathrooms
are easier to satisfy a wider range of buyers’ desires for luxury, but be sure to keep the
colors neutral.
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WHEN TO SELL
Current homeowners have a positive outlook with the real estate market on the up and up.
Keep in mind these real estate selling tips before your house goes on the market.
1. Keep it clean! It’s easy for life to take over and daily
chores to fall by the wayside. Don’t let this spoil your goal
of selling your home. Kids, pets and messy spouses should
be kept at bay during peak viewing hours. Finding it hard
to live at home while trying to sell? Invest in a few extra
storage bins with decorative flair to keep toys, clothes and
shoes out of sight to potential buyers.
2. Where possible, take the home out of your house.
Remember, buyers are buying their new home, not your
old home. Get a head start on moving out by putting
trinkets and collectibles in the basement and giving
potential buyers the ability to picture their own unique
personalities in the space. Closets are an important selling
feature, so start packing away off-season clothing to give
closets the appearance of more space.
3. Make smart upgrades. Make moderate upgrades that
speak to the current market of buyers. Replace old carpets
with new hardwood or laminate flooring. Invest in a fresh
coat of neutral-colored paint for bedrooms and common
areas. Fix broken closet doors, replace outdated hardware
with sleek new knobs and handles, and clean your mirrors
and windows. Thinking small will deliver big payback.
4. Cooks in the kitchen. Every cook wants a nice kitchen.
If you have some money to spend, think about upgrading
flooring and countertops to match current styles. Think
about upgrading one or two key appliances to stainless
steel. Don’t have much money to spend? Good-quality
cabinets can always be painted or updated with new
hardware. The upgrades will be worth it.
5. First things first. You want to capture potential buyers
the minute they pull up to your house. Keep the lawn tidy
and plant a few flowers to make your home approachable.
Light a candle or add fresh-cut flowers to the main
entrances or common areas of your home to make it feel
more inviting.
Ross Township | Summer 2017 | icmags.com 17