HOW TO MAKE THE MOST PROFIT FROM A DATED HOME!
Question:
I want to Sell my house but I don't have the time or money to make modern day improvements. How can I make the most money in this market?
Answer:
I come across this dilemma so often with home owners. Unfortunately, today's homebuyers are looking for new almost everything... the typical buyer today is looking for a maintenance free, beautiful, modern purchase...BUT with the shortage of homes available for sale right now.... I am finding more buyers are satisfied with older homes that they can work with to make their own. If you have an older home that needs updating, but you are lacking the time and money to take on major projects that would get you top dollar...you can rest assured that some of these ideas will work for you. Here are some ideas to keep in mind when you are ready to prep your home for sale!
1. Darker wood trim immediately gives your house a dated look. Update wood trim with white paint around windows and doorways. It will make the biggest difference in updating your house to give it a clean, modern feel. White trim makes rooms look larger and also brings the eye to the best features of your home like original wood floors.
2. Ditch the lace curtains, vertical blinds valances and possibly dark blinds depending on the other elements of the space. Trade them for minimal window coverings. Simple treatments like white blinds, or light colored pull down shades ...or even nothing! (if there is enough privacy on the outside of your property) This will open the space and let your eyes wonder to the best features of your home.
3. Let the light in! Most buyers tell me that they prefer as much natural light as possible...so let the Sun in! It gives a warm and cheery feel to the home.
4. Clean, clean, clean.... Show how well maintained you keep your house by keeping it clutter free and odorless. Old carpets should be steam cleaned, the whole house dusted and bathrooms bright and shiny. If a home is super clean from floor to ceiling, odor and clutter free...it will give the impression that other items are well maintained like bigger systems like the AC, Roof, etc. In an older home that is presented this way, I will always say to my clients, "Wow! I know the home is older, but look how clean it is so that must mean other areas of the home is taken care of as well! :)"
5. Get rid of unwanted furniture, curio cabinets (maybe keep one) or an un-needed oversized lounger taking up space. Get creative... are you keeping it? Put it in storage or move it to a friends house. Sell it on Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist... Nine times out of Ten, antique or dated furniture immediately gives the sense of an old, dated, and dusty... just like walking through the door and possibly smelling an undesirable odor... that impression stays with you as you tour every room of the house!
6. Impress in the doorway! Pretend you are a buyer walking through your door. That is your FIRST impression that will carry through the rest of the house presentation. What does it look like? What does it feel like? If you didn't live there, what would you be feeling?
As a real estate agent, my job is to help guide my sellers and understand their situation, and help come up with a plan that will get them the most amount of money in the least amount of time. I enjoy walking through homes and staging with ideas that will help give the best impression to potential buyers. If you are thinking of selling, it is never too early to start thinking about what you need to do to get the most money from your sale.
If you are looking for a Realtor to help you or you would like to talk more about the market, I am happy to help! You can reach me by email or text. kristinazingler@gmail.com or please text me at 609-350-0096.