Knowing what your house needs to get it ready for sale can be overwhelming.
Here are a few things to keep in mind:
- Go all-in or not at all. You can’t expect to replace countertops or update just your primary bath/kitchen and sell your house for more or quicker. If your countertops need replacing, likely your entire kitchen is out-of-date. Updating just your kitchen and/or your primary bath can make other areas look outdated. Just don’t do anything at that point. If you want to go all-in and try to really treat your property like a flip, you can work with a professional who knows what they’re doing and has flipped properties. Have them work the numbers, show you the costs, show you evidence that they’ve done it before. The key here is to make every square inch of the house and yard look new all within budget.
- You don’t get back 100% of what you put in. This really should have been rule #1. Take that into consideration when making updates. Why would you spend $4000 on new countertops if you’re not going to get $4000 back. A Realtor won’t say, “Oh, you paid $4k on countertops, now you can sell for $354,000 instead of $350,000.” Nope. Your house should be priced at $350k with or without countertops. This is also why I say “All-In or Not-At-All.” The best way to maximize your equity is to treat your house like a flip.
- Focus on inspection items. Currently in Dallas, we are seeing a lot of credits being given for cast-iron pipes. This could be something you replace and use as part of your marketing. Most important is to focus on the small things that might show up on the inspection report. This keeps the buyer from being overwhelmed at inspection and helps get you to the closing table. Your Realtor will be able to help you through this. I’m a fan of doing an inspection before listing so there are no surprises, but not many Realtors agree.
- Focus on paint. A fresh coat of light paint, same color throughout the house can help a house look better and possibly bring an offer sooner. I currently like Snowbound by Sherwin Williams as a good basic. This is a good investment.
- Focus on clutter. How many times have you seen a cluttered house with outdated paint and floors but a description that says, “new countertops.” Good grief. Let’s stop that insanity. Just decluttering or even totally emptying an outdated house can help sell it quicker. No need for new countertops.
- Deep Clean. Your house should be extremely clean before listing. Every vent, cabinet, baseboard, floor and wall need to be cleaned. This is important no matter how outdated the house.
If you have questions about your own house and need advice, please send me an email with the subject line: “Advice” I’ll make a video and tell you what I would advise. [email protected]
Good luck!