CEOs – are you going to sell your home sometime in the near future? If so, you need to take the necessary steps to increase the value of your home. One way to do that is by renovating your home.
Fixing up your home before selling it will ensure that you receive the highest amount of money from the transaction. Before a real estate agent guides potential buyers through your house, it’s important to make your domicile as attractive as possible.
Here is a list of simple things you can do to increase the value of your home. This list is geared around pleasing potential buyers, since their opinion of your home is important above all others.
1. Repair The Exterior
The exterior of your home will be the first thing potential buyers see, so it’s important to make sure it’s in the best possible shape. Make sure the lawn is mowed, leaves are raked, shrubs are trimmed and gardens are in pristine condition. A presentable exterior will get the proceedings off on the right foot by leaving a positive first impression with the buyers. The exterior of the home itself could be painted or power washed, depending on its condition, and both major and minor fixes should be made to any areas of the exterior in disrepair. Putting in a new roof is a good way to make the buyers happy right off the bat.
2. Clean The Interior
The potential buyers will try to imagine themselves living in your home. They will imagine how their ideal decorations will look and how they will put their own personal touches on the home to make it unique. This will be difficult for them to do if your house is a mess with clutter everywhere. Make a point to clear out all your junk until the place is neat and tidy. If you have a big active family this might require perpetual cleaning, but it’s worth putting in the effort to make a good impression on the buyers.
3. The Kitchen Sells The House
Seasoned real estate agents will tell you that the kitchen sells the home. This is probably because the kitchen is the heart of the house, the spot the family most often gathers for quality bonding time. You don’t need to spend a small fortune on remodeling the kitchen, but make sure leaky faucets are fixed, counters and tiles are sparkling, and lights are functioning properly. A fresh coat of paint and a new set of curtains might not hurt either.
4. Get Rid Of That Underground Oil Tank
Underground oil tanks are often found in older homes. Ever since the EPA made homeowners liable for oil leakage, underground oil tanks have become something of a burden. The buyers will be on the lookout for an underground oil tank, and if they find one it could damage the value of your home. Get this out of the way by hiring professionals to remove the oil tank from your property. The cost of this will depend on the size of the tank and its location.
5. Repair The Interior
Besides cleaning the interior, you’ll also want to make sure that everything inside your home is functioning as it should be. Change the light bulbs, check the smoke detectors, ensure that the bathroom is leak-free and properly caulked. Touch up problematic paint areas, and if more than a touchup is required be sure to use neutral colors.
If you follow this list you can feel confident about the price tag you place on your home. It’s important to do the math to make sure you aren’t putting more money into the house than you’ll get out of it in the sale. Most of these methods of improving the home’s value are inexpensive and require only some time and effort.
Article References:
http://www.commtank.com/services/commercial/underground-tank-removals.php
http://www.hgtv.com/remodel/interior-remodel/30-tips-for-increasing-your-homes-value
