In today's market a seller will need every advantage possible. When a seller decides to put their house on the market, before they do so they should hire an Appraiser. The Appraiser will perform a thorough walk through to help the seller determine the true market value of the home and they will also decide what can be done to improve the chances of the homes sale and to bring in top dollar.
Between 2003 and 2006 homes were selling very fast and little to no effort was needed to sell a home. Today, homeowners will actually have to make improvements in order to seller their home.
These improvements can include everything from simple cosmetic touch ups to adding more square footage. Here are some common suggestions:
Clean the house: Cleaning does not only mean getting out the mop, pail and some elbow grease, but it also means getting rid of clutter throughout the home. If there are items that you don't need in the house and you don't want to get rid of them, then put them in storage. Many times this includes items from closets, attics and the garage. By eliminating clutter you will open up the feel for the home to give it a larger appearance.
Paint and carpet: Usually new carpet and a fresh coat of paint can give the home a "new home" look and smell. A light colored paint is what's usually suggested by Appraisers for most homes. It gives the home a larger feel and a neutral color that will not conflict with a potential buyers' furniture because most any color goes with white or beige.
Curb appeal: The outside of the home is always the first impression that a buyer will see and sadly is often overlooked as a means to improve the homes salability. If the seller does not have the financial resources to do the front and back yards then they should focus on the front. The backyard can always wait and be completed later on by the seller or the buyer. The seller should improve the landscaping and fixing cracks in the driveway as well as removing stains like oil spots.
If you think it will be some time before you sell your home and you know that you will in the future; then it's suggested to plan ahead and maybe do some of these more aggressive improvements.
Add square footage: It's often said by Appraisers that an addition provides the biggest returned value to any home more so than other improvements. While this kind of improvement may not bring in a higher price, it will certainly attract more potential buyers to the home.
One suggestion might be is to take that old covered patio and turn it into a beautiful sunroom.
Enlarge the garage: Once all the clutter is cleared from the garage the new buyer will most likely want to put their stuff in there once they move in. However, buyers will also want room for their cars and by adding, expanding or improving the garage you may also increase the value of the home.
Think twice about a pool: Who hasn't dreamed of having their own pool, however a young family with small kids who are looking to buy a home may see a pool as a dangerous luxury. Furthermore, many buyers are concerned about the upkeep and the costs associated with a pool. Times are difficult right now and a pool may limit your potential buyers to only those who want a pool. So, if the seller's home does not have a pool, they may want to think twice before spending the money to put one in.
Location, location, location: More times than not the best locations will sell faster than homes that are not. A good location will include close proximity to good schools, places for work, shopping and attractions and away from areas of crime, heavy traffic and large commercial or industrial businesses will also help a home to sell faster and at a better price. When buying a home try and buy a home that is in a good location because when it's time to sell later on you will have a better chance of a quick and successful sale.
Strategy plays an important role when you decide you might sell your home a few years from now. Improvements are not always about design and decor, but rather increasing the value of your home.
So, when you hire an appraiser, try and follow their suggestions because this is what they do best.