By Joseph Casella
When selling your home you need to think like a buyer.
Buyers expect your house to be in good condition. This is your chance to put them at ease and create a more salable house by making minor improvements where needed. You will stack the odds in your favor if you step back and take a look at your home from the buyer’s perspective.
If you are able to spot and repair minor problems, you will stand out as an owner who has always taken good care of your house. If the “little things” are in order, buyers will be more likely to believe the entire house is in good shape. Although no one can guarantee specific results, a little money spent at this point could influence the purchase price of the house. Your small investment may also help the house sell more quickly.
How much money should you spend? The best answer is, No more than you have to. Keep in mind that a dollar spent in fix-up costs won’t necessarily add a dollar to the selling price. You’ll need to take a close look at your house and be smart about where you spend money. In other words, now is not the time to invest a large amount of money that won’t be recovered in the sale. You’ll want to consider low-cost improvements that will yield the highest returns possible.
What kinds of repairs should you make? It’s a safe bet that if your house is in need of any major repairs, the buyer will notice. Major repairs aside, you need to concentrate on the smaller, less expensive improvements that can really shape the buyer’s perception of your house.
Where do you start? The exterior. Your house makes its first impression before buyers ever step inside…and first impressions can be lasting ones. In a real sense, the condition of your home’s exterior makes an important statement about the condition of the entire house; so the view from the curb is crucial.
Here are some tips:
Make sure the YARD (front and back) is neatly trimmed, raked and edged.
TREES AND SHRUBS should be pruned to complement your house, not hide it.
WALKWAYS AND DRIVEWAYS should be clear of weeds and debris, and wash them to remove dirt and stains. Also, look for potholes and cracks that need to be patched.
DOORWAYS — Check to see that all light fixtures, hinges, doorknobs, locks and doorbells are in good working order. Doors themselves should be cleaned and, if needed, freshly painted or stained. Be sure to sweep porches.
WINDOWS — Replace any broken panes, and wash all windows, inside and out. Screens should be free of serious runs or tears.
FENCES — Repair areas that are in bad shape. Where necessary, apply a new coat of paint or stain.
All of these repairs cost little but add value to the home.
We will discuss the interior of the home next time.
Joseph Casella is licensed real estate and mortgage broker, owner of Castle Realty and Alpha Capital. He is editor and writer of “Market Scope,” a newsletter for property owners. He can be reached at 718- 707-7019.
