So you need to sell your house. You just got a new job in another city, can no longer stand the winters, or are simply in search of greener pastures. Regardless of the reason, selling a house in the current housing market is going to be difficult. There are many desperate sellers and very few eager buyers. You need to do everything within your means to make your house the most appealing one in the neighborhood.
Instead of slowly whittling down your asking price you could try making some additions, maybe an improvement or two, which will increase your competitiveness in the market. It might appear almost paradoxical to make home renovations to a house you don't plan to live in, but trust me, the investment will pay off. Not only can you stabilize your asking price - sometimes even raising it - you now have new interesting features to lure in prospective buyers.
What part of the home should you focus on? If you have an unfinished basement or bathroom, then this is an obvious place to start.
New home buyers do not want to add the chore of having to finish a basement after they already had to go through the trouble of selling their own home. A finished basement dramatically increases the amount of livable space in your house, essentially doubling your square-footage! The bathroom is the next priority. What good is having two or three bathrooms in a home if they are only half finished?If both your basement and bathrooms are taken care of, then you could decide on a kitchen renovation. A new kitchen can add so much life to an otherwise sedate home. The job may only involve some painting or replacing the old flooring, or it could amount to a complete overhaul. You could add new appliances, lighting and cabinets. What is required depends on the current state of your kitchen; some require a little extra investment. Just remember, this is essentially the heart of your home.
Some other areas to look at:
- Window replacement is needed if they are cracked, the frames are coming apart or if they no longer function appropriately.
- The siding of your home should be repaired if it is dented, obviously faded, or altogether missing.
- Be mindful of your yard; don't neglect the weeding and pruning. A well managed yard and garden will give a good first impression.
The goal of these repairs and renovations is to make it clear to the prospective buyer that your home is fully ready to be inhabited, no additional work necessary. The buyer is willing to pay a little more if he knows that he won't have to spend any more time or money on fixing up the place once he moves in.
Adding Resell Value to Your Home With Home Improvements