Get Your Home Market-Ready to Entice Buyers and KW News

If you have been reading my blog.. you know that my consistent message is that the only two things that matter are price and condition… Many of my sellers want to know which remodels help to add value and entice buyers in this type of market.

The answer is that remodels and upgrades increase your value in terms of its competition in the market, not purely in a dollar amount. Homes that appear outdated frequently remain on the market longer than homes that have a fresh, modern appeal.That lot premium you paid for when you built… well that makes you more desirable than your neighbor in some cases and means you may sell faster than them but it doesn’t mean you will get more money because of it. Homes that appear outdated frequently remain on the market longer than homes that have a fresh, modern appeal.

Having said that though… here are a few areas that are your first steps. Its pretty easy to understand why these home modifications are enticing buyers when you consider the way the housing market has been for the past several years.

Here are a few of the renovations or modifications that are adding value to homes and creating appeal from home buyers.

Consider repainting to give the home a fresh look, especially if walls have any marks, scuffs or holes. Buyers also tend to be attracted to houses with neutral colored walls. This makes rooms appear larger and allows the buyer to easily paint each room the color of his or her choice after purchasing the home. Consider repainting any bold colored walls with white, beige or tan.

Unfortunately for those with older properties, wallpaper is not the current decorating trend. Buyers may be put off by the idea of having to remove wallpaper in a house. Removing the wallpaper in a home can be done by the owners for around $150 for several rooms. Liquid wallpaper remover and rollers can be purchased in hardware stores.

The great rooms that bring the kitchen and the eating areas together are still popular. More space is preferred so families can have room to sit and spend time together over a meal even if that means having less space to actually prepare the food. Cabinets and shelving are being customized to suit the homeowners' needs and many are favoring pantries or utility rooms. Kitchens are taking on the look of a chef's cooking space with open shelving and islands to help homeowners be able to quickly prepare meals and still mingle with guests and family. The obvious update is new appliances if necessary but often times expensive. The easiest and most inexpensive way to update the kitchen is replacing outdated fixtures, hardware and window treatments. Window treatments not just in the kitchen but all around your home are a great and easy way to update a look.

Cleaning your home as thoroughly as possible should be at the top of your priority list when you are preparing to sell. You may be surprised to find that while you thought you needed to replace carpeting, all that is really necessary is to hire a professional carpet cleaner to come to your home. Don't have time to get to all of the nooks and crannies? Hiring a professional cleaning service to handle matters for you can be one of the best investments you could make. Clean it up, clear out the clutter and make it shine!! Messy homes don't sell for top dollar

Do whatever you can to reduce clutter and "junk." Throw it away. The cost of the dumpster may be the best investment you'll make in selling your home. Or call a haul away service like Purple Heart or Liberty thrift.

Make sure all hallways and doorways are free of obstacles and the home is easy to navigate. Shelves and other items in hallways are visually unappealing and give an impression of sloppy caretaking.

Fresh flowers in the home go a long way in making people feel good about both the home and the sellers. It signals a genuine desire to keep a home beautiful.

Pictures and paintings look nice, but too many actually hurt your sale price.

Make sure you home smells nice. Boiling cinnamon in water makes a wonderful smell. Also try burning scented candles or baking something just before a showing (another great way to leverage that cinnamon aroma).

At the end of the day though we walk through our homes without looking up or looking down.. if you are thinking about selling try walking around and looking at your home with a critical eye, clean up areas that are cluttered, update the inexpensive things now, consider updating the slightly more expensive things, paint neutral and if you haven’t touched it or used it in a year pack it up or donate it or throw it away.

Each home has its custom requirements and if you are thinking of selling your home soon and want advice on what you need to do to get it market ready, please feel free to email me at jmcd211@gmail.com

Keller Williams News!

Keller Williams Realty Group in Limerick is excited to announce that Jill Blasek, Sandra Austin, Helen Sage, Gwen Arcadia, Vanessa Deskie, Ed Haring, Dana Santo, Bruce Hengey and Michelle Munson have joined our Growing Market Center just since January at 542 N. Lewis Road in Limerick. We are growing leaps and bounds! If you are an agent or thinking about getting into the industry Call Gina Stango at 610-792-5900. Tell her Joymarie sent you!!