What is priority of improvements before putting our home up for sale?

Stan
by Stan

We just want to know what needs to be upgraded in a home before selling it. Everything works well, but some items show wear with age. We don't know which items produce the most $$$ return. I am capable of doing many home improvements myself, but not much in electrical work.

  6 answers
  • Shore grandmom Shore grandmom on Jan 23, 2019

    Great curb appeal (bright flowers and grass cut and trimmed, shrubs trimmed, garden weeded) is very important. If it looks bad from the outside, a lot of people won't waste their time walking inside. That makes everyone think that the home was not taken care of and underlying issues could be present. Clean the exterior and the doors and windows. Make sure your front door looks welcoming, maybe a fresh coat of paint, if it's a painted one. A new welcome mat is nice. Remove all personal things (pictures, stuff hanging on the refrigerator, etc). Also remove any furniture and stuff in closets not needed and any other kind of clutter (put it storage if you have to). Organize everything left into an orderly fashion. If the walls are dark, paint them a light color (it makes the rooms look bigger and brighter). Other than some paint (neutral colors), it really isn't necessary to do any updates as the new owners may have different tastes and could possibly change it anyhow. Only fix what needs to be fixed (you don't want it to look like you didn't take care of the home). Keep everything clean so you're not running around before a showing, making sure windows are clean.. Make the beds when you get up. Before a showing, open all window coverings and let the sunshine in. Turn on all lights even on a bright sunny day, the more light, the better. Be careful burning candles, a scent you like may not smell so good to someone else . The smell of a strong scented candle could also trigger an asthma attack or appear to be covering something up. Flowers could also trigger allergies or asthma. The smell of clean or some freshly baked goods is much more enticing. And if necessary, spray an air neutralizer. When your home is being shown, remove all animals and put away their paraphernalia if at all possible. Good luck.

    • See 3 previous
    • Shore grandmom Shore grandmom on Jan 24, 2019

      You are very welcome! Good Luck with the sale!

  • Cynthia H Cynthia H on Jan 23, 2019

    Hi Stan! I am currently getting our old house ready to list in the spring. A walk through with a realtor will help you decide where to put money for best return. Having your own home inspection will pinpoint things that could hold up a sale and make it possible to repair those areas, if any The realtor familiar with my area suggested money put into updating flooring, painting a soothing palette for a more neutral background, and declutter ruthlessly (especially if you are living there) because people want to see empty space in closets, bare counters, etc. We have a furnace only five years old, but, the flooring shows years of raising kids (and pets). Also, curb appeal gets them in the door. A non-involved person (even if it's a friend you trust) will tell you what they see, what they smell, and what would bother them. Depending on the price range you are looking for, will determine some of the higher end finishes people will be looking for. If it's a neighborhood that expects granite countertops, it's good to know what you are being compared to. Bathrooms and kitchens really do sell houses, Make sure they are comparable to what is found nearby. Our new house was turn key ready, had fabulous bathrooms, neutral colors, fresh paint and a modern kitchen with stainless steel appliances (all new). Only minor things were found with a thorough inspection, and they were easy fixes. Good luck with your sale!

    • See 1 previous
    • Cynthia H Cynthia H on Jan 24, 2019

      You are welcome and good luck with your sale! Sound like you are getting lots of good advice here. I'm taking note of all of it, too, because the object for me is to make a faster sale at a good price, with the less stress the better!

  • First your estate agent or realtor should walk through your home and offer suggestions. BUT don't go overboard. I have lost count how many people have spent thousands in upgrades only to be ripped out before the ink is dry on the closing documents.


    https://www.hgtv.com/design/real-estate/top-home-updates-that-pay-off-pictures


    https://www.thebalance.com/repairs-before-home-selling-return-rewards-1799066


    https://www.maxrealestateexposure.com/things-to-repair-before-selling-a-house/


    https://www.thisoldhouse.com/ideas/you-sell-fix-it-or-leave-it


    Starting with curb appeal, that is a must! Property should be well maintained and tidy. Spiff up the paint job in any problem areas. A new porch light, freshly painted front door and welcoming plants and shrubs. Get a new front door (and back door too) welcome mats.


    If necessary, give the interior a fresh coat of neutral paint. Update hardware in kitchens and bathrooms. Declutter and rent a pod or storage locker if needed.


    If in a southern or western location where people use their back yards year round, freshen up that area too. Clean the deck, power wash the patio, and repaint or clean up your patio furniture and stage it well with lighting, rugs, pillows, throws, potted plants, flowers or trees that you can take with you.


    Hire a weekly gardener to do at least a mow and blow and keep the yards in top shape as you will be busy packing, house hunting, etc. and the house needs to be perfect at any given time for showings.


    Any house I have ever sold didn't last 2 weeks on the market. It takes a bit of effort, and it can be a little inconvenient for a short period of time, but the money you will receive will be more than worth the inconvenience. You are very smart to ask for suggestions and do as much of the work you can yourself to save a bit of cash. I guarantee you will get a bunch of recommendations from fellow Hometalkers! Good luck and I hope you receive asking price or even over. 🌞

  • Oliva Oliva on Jan 24, 2019

    Hi Stan,

    There are real estate websites that list the improvements with best and worst return. Enter that into a Google search. Cleaning thoroughly makes a huge impact. People will go through kitchen cabinets, bathroom, bedroom, and hall closets, storage areas, etc. Clean the interior of your oven, refrigerator, dishwasher and stove top until they look brand new. Dirty appliances, baseboards, lightbulbs, sinks and tubs, flooring, ceiling fan blades, light globes, etc. as well as chipped vinyl siding, lamp posts, etc. create the impression the seller has not maintained the property. If your roof has black streaks, remove them. Clean sidewalks, patios, driveways of dirt, stains, leaves. Renew mulch in beds. Create a vignette at your front entrance and patio areas.

    Indure the doorbell works. Replace damaged screens and window sills, as needed.

    Increase wattage in your light bulbs. Draw back draperies to squeaky clean windows.

    Clean any reflective surface, to bounce more light.

    Clean rugs, as needed. You can always place plastic runners over walk areas or have prospective buyers remove their shoes, during showings.

    Never have food or drink on a counter, as people may think it's o.k. to walk through your home with it, leaving crumbs or worse, behind.


  • Stan Stan on Jan 24, 2019

    Such great advice that you must have lots of experience. We will

    keep reading your post on here. We will check for websites that

    explain best improvements to provide excellent returns, too.

    Thank you very much!

    Stan and Ronee

  • Eileen Eileen on Jan 24, 2019

    We tried to do those easy DIYs that would make a big difference. We did a whole post on what we did - and how we sold in four days! It works!


    https://www.justmeasuringup.com/selling-house/