What NOT to Fix When Selling a House

TOP SELLER QUESTION: What do i remodel before i list?

If you asked me this question six months ago, I would have told your that remodeled homes are selling for an incredible premium. Add a yard with a pool and you’ve got the Golden Egg. And while this is still true, supply chain issues and laborer shortages have resulted in sky-high construction bills and months-long delays. No Bueno. Especially if you are a seller hoping to cash-in on the buyer feeding frenzy, expected to cool off this winter as buyers move their attention from House Hunting to holiday shopping.

So, what should sellers focus as they prepare to sell? Here are my

Top 3 Do’s & Don’ts When Selling Your Home

Ask any Realtor, “what sells a home?” and their answer will be Kitchens & Bathrooms”. I can pretty much guarantee it. BUT, it’s hard to get a return on your investment when it takes months to procure building materials or have to deal with contractor delays due to lack of workers. For now, skip the full kitchen and bathroom remodel. Long contractor waits and high lumber prices make this big-ticket item a no-no under new market conditions.

I am also recommending that sellers leave high-impact windows for the next homeowner to change out. While hurricane readiness is normally a big topic of conversation in Miami, this is not a “make-it or break-it” item for most buyers and could easily cost you tens of thousands to upgrade.

Where to focus instead. Start with the first impression. In today’s fast paced real estate market, homes are not for sale for long. This means buyers have a limited opportunity to see homes that are for sale in person. The first thing potential buyers are going to do when they see your home for sale is drive-by and check out the curb appeal.

Curb Appeal Check List

· Pressure wash everything- start at the roof and don’t stop until you’ve cleaned the driveway

· Check the lights-Make sure exterior lights are all working. Update your exterior lighting package if it is dated.

· Swap out dead or dry landscaping for new plants and mulch.

· Add seating with decorative pillows and a new welcome mat for the finishing touch.

While curb appeal is of the up-most importance, fresh paint is the best “bang for your buck” when it comes preparing your home for sale. Sellers should choose neutral colors. Avoid trends and steer clear of bright colors which do not photograph well.

The final investment I recommend for sellers as they prep their homes for sale is staging. Home staging simply means making your home attractive to the most potential buyers possible. According to Forbes.com, “a staged home will sell for 17% more on average than a non-staged home” and a National Association of Realtors survey found that 82% of buyers’ agents said staging made it easier for a buyer to visualize the property as a future home.

Compelling evidence. I believe in staging so much I teach a training course called, “Staging for Success” to agents at Luxe Properties in Miami, FL.

Where to begin? Staging can be broken down into 4 tasks:

· Deep clean

· Depersonalize

· Declutter

· Decorate

Depersonalizing and decluttering can feel overwhelming, but it is essential to allowing potential buyers to imagine themselves living in the house, as opposed to them living in your house. When depersonalizing, home sellers should concentrate on removing items of sentimental value; family photos, children’s art and anything political or religious.

When decluttering, home sellers should make their goal to leave all counters and table tops clear, and leave storage spaces like closets about half empty, or full depending on your philosophical leanings.

If you want some ideas on how to get going, I’ve got your back. Not only do I provide staging services (included in my commission) but I also will give you acces

s to my Guide to Getting More Money For Your Home. And bonus- I offer storage for your stuff, free of charge, when you partner with me to list your home. See I’ve thought of everything.

Book a call here and in the meantime, grab your FREE Guide to Getting More Money For Your Home.