Fixing up your Home to Sell: What you need to Know

Don’t expect to sell your home in an “as-is” condition in a buyer’s market; there are simply too many homes on the market and too much competition. Most buyers today want a move-in ready home, complete with upgrades.

So, where do you go from here? Work with your real estate agent to consider the home’s market value now, versus its market value should you perform improvements and repairs. Then, consider your neighborhood, region and the improvements that will result in the best return on your investment.

For example, an entire kitchen remodel for a small ranch probably won’t offer you a nice return on your investment, but updated kitchen countertops and new kitchen appliances certainly will. In the end, it’s all about understanding your buyers’ wants and needs, your home’s market value and the neighborhood in which your Turtle Creek home is located.

There are, however, a few home improvements that you can’t go wrong taking care of before you list your home for sale:

Many of us wonder what we need to fix up, upgrade or renovate in order to sell our homes. Although the answer to this is far different for each situation, there are a few things that most homeowners should consider before listing their home on the market.

Patch all holes and cracks in the walls and ceilings and cover all rooms in a fresh coat of paint.
Re-paint all walls with a fresh, neutral color. In other words, get rid of any loud or boldly colored walls, and remove any signs of wallpaper and other wall coverings. Avoid white paint, though, as it often gives the feeling of a sterile, stark environment.
Perform repairs to any broken toilets, leaky faucets or non-functioning light fixtures.
Replace any worn flooring, including carpeting and tile. New, inexpensive carpeting can instantly give any room a facelift; likewise, an old, worn carpet can turn buyers off from the start.
Replace any old, outdated window coverings, such as blinds and curtains. Fresh window coverings instantly freshen up a room and make it feel updated.
Repair any cracks or uneven surfaces on your driveway, walkway or front steps.
Repair or replace any broken windows or doors.