The real estate market is cooling down a bit throughout the country, but that doesn’t mean it’s not possible to sell your home. Today’s tips can help you ready your home for selling success–even in a buyers’ market.
Choose your renovations wisely.
In the world of home renovations, no two options are alike. If you’re looking for the greatest ROI, start with decluttering, deep cleaning, and updating your curb appeal. These are the top three suggestions listed by Money.com.
If you have the budget for more extensive updates, plan to focus your efforts on the kitchen and master bathroom. New or refreshed cabinets, updated countertops, and modern lighting will go a long way in either room. You could also swap out the flooring, change the hardware, and paint. When these rooms need more serious work, call the contractor.
Use a contractor that utilizes technology.
Look for a renovation specialist that uses construction estimating/takeoff software that can give
you a more expedient quote, which can be sent online and then turned into an invoice for online
payment. Check this out if you need more information about the types of software construction
professionals might use. Your contractor may also use digital tools to get more accurate
measurements or apps that keep you informed about the renovation process.
Update to include a home office.
If you don’t want to spend a ton of money on home renovations, repurpose a spare room into a
home office. According to the National Association Of Realtors, buyers want a dedicated office,
which can either be a standalone room or an extension of a shared space. This is especially true now after the pandemic because many people still work from home. Make sure the space
has plenty of natural light; if not, look into affordable overhead lighting options.
How long do renovations take?
Only your contractor can answer this, but even an expert may be wrong if unknown issues are
discovered during the demolition or renovation process. Regardless of the timeframe, some
renovations make it more difficult (if not impossible) to enjoy your home safely, especially if you
have kids. This Old House recommends several places to stay in the interim, including
extended-stay hotels and private homes through Airbnb.
Other things to keep in mind to set your home up for selling success:
- Stage it. When your home is ready to sell, our designers at Seattle Staged to Sell can help you
make the best impression. Remember, buyers want to see a space they can envision as
their own. - Choose the right contractor. Whether you’re looking for someone to fix your heating
and air unit or want a basement finished out as a game room, check references, verify
licenses, and ask lots of questions. - Be prepared to spend more. There’s a good chance that home renovations will go over
budget by 10% or more. Factor this into your budget during the planning stages so you
are not caught off guard by unexpected expenses. - Warn the neighbors. It’s always a smart idea to let the neighbors know you’re having
work done at your home or that it will be listed on the MLS soon. Informed neighbors can
keep an eye out when you’re not around, and you never know who might have a buyer
on speed dial.
Recap of what you should do to set yourself up for selling success
When it’s time to plan for renovations and an upcoming home sale, do it right. Start with deep
cleaning and decluttering, adding a home office, and making sure your renovation contractor’s
technology can keep up with you. Then, work with your contractor closely throughout the
process, and know where to go your home is inhabitable.
Guest Author Bio: You could say Candace Sigmon was born to DIY. She has always loved to tinker, fix, and build, and she has been working on home projects with her dad pretty much ever since she could hold a hammer. She created AtHomeHelper.com because she thought it might be fun to share some of what she has learned along the way as well as resources that she finds especially useful.
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