With tax incentives, record low interest rates and a high volume of housing inventory we all know it's a buyers market out there, but if you are a seller don't panic because we have some suggestions to help make your home stand out in a crowd. Buyers are surrounded by homes for sale and they almost always look at variety homes before making a decision on which one they want to put a bid on unless they are lucky enough to find their dream home at the first stop.
Since they will most likely be seeing a multitude of homes, sellers need to try and make their home something that will be remembered so they can be successful in this buyers market. While doing the basic things to market their home for sale such as clearing clutter, applying fresh paint, taking care of minor repairs, and keeping a pleasant scent around the home there are several other creative improvements that they can do to impress potential buyers without draining their bank account. These improvements not only can attract more attention and make their home stand out in a crowd, but it can also show that the home has been taken care of and loved. Everyone's "likes" and "dislikes" in houses are quite different but on the average most buyers are looking for larger kitchens, more storage space, and light and bright open floor plans.
Home improvement experts expect American's to spend $217 billion on home-remodeling this year and here are five areas where sellers can spend some of their remodeling dollars to impress buyers.
Go green. Today there are many energy efficient products on the market that can attract buyers. Replacements or renovations can help make their home more energy efficient which is very popular today and some of those items include better insulation, replacing old windows with new duel-pane windows, caulking of all windows, doorways, and bathrooms, and adding skylights for that light and bright look can all increase the value of the home.
Wider baseboards and crown molding. These items can be very attractive in any size home. The small standard baseboards that builders often use in homes never draw attention to a home and by adding wider baseboards in addition to a new coat of paint can make any room come to life. Don't forget that even framing the doors and windows will help complete the desired look for the room.
Textured paint. Sometimes not only will a fresh coat of paint make an impression but if the sellers are so inclined to take it a step further, then they can add a faux finish, or an accented wall, but they should choose the colors and textures wisely. Sellers can easily get carried away with a color they love, but they need to remember, they want to create an impression for a wide variety of buyers.
Improved flooring. Wood of any kind, laminate or hardwood, as well as, tile, and even new carpeting can make an impression, however, if what they currently have is torn, chipped, or dirty, they will get a negative response from the buyer. This is where it can show the buyer that the home has not been taken care of and loved and may result in a lower offer or might not sell at all.
Add a deck. Decks can not only add value to the home, but it also creates the awareness to the buyer that their future home will be great for entertaining. After all, sellers want the buyers to look into the future and see how their lives will be improved or enhanced by the purchase of the home.
So you see, there are many ways to impress potential buyers and to make the sellers home standout in a crowd. Don't forget, you never have a second chance at a first impression!