How Much Should You Spend in Preparing my Home to Sell?

Now that you’re ready to put your house on the market, you want it to look as good as possible to prospective buyers.  However, you don't want to pour money into it that you won't be able to get out of the sale.  Where do you draw the line?

We'll talk you through your options of sprucing up your house and help you weigh the pros and cons.  In general, keep in mind that buyers will feel much better about making an offer on a house that appears to be well-maintained versus one that obviously needs work.  In addition, if what buyers see looks good, they will feel more confident that what they can't see is also in good shape.

When you're thinking about how to improve the appearance of your home, try to spend as little money as possible.  A new patio will certainly look nice, but you probably won't be able to recover the cost when you sell the home.  Simple cosmetic changes like a coat of paint and new cabinet knobs can go a long way toward impressing buyers. 

In some cases, more extensive improvement might be in order.  For many buyers, the kitchen is the focal point of the home.  A house with a weary, outdated kitchen can be a big turn-off.  In fact, a recent survey by SieMatic Corp. revealed that 85 percent of home buyers said that the condition of a home’s kitchen is a major consideration when deciding whether to purchase the house.  Before you start thinking about spending thousands of dollars at Home Depot, however, consider a number of fairly inexpensive improvements that can make a big splash:

• Fresh paint.  A fresh coat of neutral paint can go a long way towards making any room look new.
• Countertop.  An old grungy countertop can be very discouraging to buyers.  You may want to think about replacing it with neutral tile or a laminate.  These options are not terribly expensive, and a sparkling new countertop will really spruce up the kitchen.
• Faucet.  Switching out your tired old faucet for a sleek, stylish (yet not too funky) model will give the kitchen an updated feel.
• Hardware.  Replacing the knobs and pulls on your cabinets is quick, easy, and not very expensive, but it will make a big difference in how your kitchen looks.
• Keep it clean.  Clear the countertops of clutter and make sure dirty dishes are nowhere to be seen.
• Windows and lights. A well-lit room looks cleaner, brighter, and more spacious.  Keep window blinds open and lights on. Be sure to replace any burned out bulbs.
• Appliances.  Make sure your appliances work properly and that they're clean.  A range with splatters of tomato sauce might work just as well as a clean one, but it won't make a good impression on buyers.
• Fresh baked smells.  If you're having an open house, consider baking bread, cookies, or some other pleasantly fragrant treat.  There’s nothing more homey than home cooking.

The overall goal here is to make your kitchen – and the rest of your home – look its best.  When you're wondering about what improvements to make and how much to spend, talk to your agent.  We're familiar with what buyers are looking for and what they can expect to find in comparable homes, so feel free to ask for advice.