Getting a home in show-ready shape typically involves decluttering interiors, sprucing up the curb appeal and investing in key repairs around the residence. Before putting your home on the market, it’s important to prepare it, so it makes a positive first impression on prospective buyers. However, don’t get carried away. Pouring money into your home that won’t substantially improve its’ appeal or asking price can be a losing investment.
What should I fix?
There are indeed some fixes you’ll want to tick off your list, but be sure to do your homework before spending too much money. Concentrate on things buyers typically notice most. Buyers see flooring, walls, kitchens and baths. Their main focus lies mostly in the main living spaces. That is a great place to start!
You need to address basic wear-and tear in these areas. For starters, fresh paint is a must. I most always advise against listing a home without repainting the interiors first. Updating or refinishing hardwood flooring is also important. In fact, wood-floor fixes are one of the few remodeling projects that actually recoup more than their costs, according to the National Association of Realtors “2022 Remodeling Impact Report.” Refinishing hardwood floors returns 147 percent of the expense while installing new wood flooring returns 118 percent.
Although it’s a less visible fix, updating an aging or faulty heating, venting and air conditioning system (HVAC) can also be a good idea in order to make prospective buyers feel confident about the house’s condition and habitability. Maybe they can’t see it, but they sure can feel it, especially in the heat of a Raleigh, North Carolina summer.
Before embarking on repairs and getting your home in show-ready shape, contact me here and I will be happy to give you professional feedback regarding projects that make the most sense and tend to translate into better offers. For more real estate tips and information, I invite you to follow me on facebook and Instagram.
