1) Lawn-care/landscaping. A lot of people overlook this one. A
green lawn is a plus. A weedy, crabgrass filled lawn will
detract from your homes presentability and value. Its not hard
to green your lawn (use a weed & feed and apply it to the whole
lawn - $20-$30). It will take a few weeks and will yield a major
improvement. Have the lawn professionally cut (they will edge
your lawn, remove weeds, etc... for $30 or so per session) - it
shows you care and cared for your house. Well placed shrubs,
trees, and flowers can make the ugliest home inviting. They can
also hide shortcomings, misaligned panels, meters, hoses, pipes,
and other out yard detriments and annoyances.
2) Paint/pressure washing the exterior. Many times the outside
will brighten up with just a quick pressure washing (average
$100-$150). This will remove dirt, cobwebs, some stains, mildew,
etc... If there is more left when done you will need to repaint
the exterior (average $500-$2000). This is more expensive, but
will definitely brighten up your house and make it more
marketable.
3) Driveway. Look at your driveway. Does it have oil stains,
spots, look aged? Revitalize it. A good pressure washing will
help most driveways. For stubborn oil stains and spots spray a
mixture of 10-30% muriatic acid on the concrete wait one minute
then pressure wash off. This will remove the most stubborn
stains better than anything else. Be careful not to spray the
acid on your lawn or let the over-spray from pressure washing
get on the lawn (it will kill your grass and turn it yellow
fast).
4) Entrance-way. If you don't have a decorative glass door, get
one. They are easily installed (goes on in front of your front
door) and greatly dress up or finish a well kept house - they
give it that finished touch. Also a few nicely trimmed potted
plants, decorative plants and shrubs will add that welcoming and
cozy feeling. Remember 95% of all home buying purchases are
heavily influenced by a woman. Make them feel at home and you
will get a much higher price and return for just a little work
and a little money - well worth it.
5) Inside paint and trim work. This is a must. Have the interior
repainted along with the trim work. Little dings, marks, scuffs,
do detract from your homes value. Pick or stay with neutral
colors. For free expert advice call your local realtor and ask
them what sells (colors, etc...). They will be glad to tell you
as you may become a client for them.
6) Make sure your appliances that are staying with the house all
work.
Women are prone to try out appliances in the kitchen. Replace
any mismatched appliances and upgrade to stay in tune with your
neighborhood. Do not out price your neighborhood or you will
risk throwing away money. Your realtor can best help you here as
to whether you should go with granite, tile, formica and similar
questions.
7) Useable space. Take that attic or extra closet and turn it
into a bathroom or extra room if it is feasible. Remember the
rule - square footage equals money. The more useful room you
have the more you will get.
8) Carpets. Have them professionally cleaned and replaced if
necessary. Potential buyers will be looking with the mindset of
how much money and time they will have to put in to make it
liveable and homelike. The more you help them, the better off
you will be. There's nothing like a stained carpet to bring down
your value and deter buyers. Don't just try the cover up method.
These spots will come out when the buyer does their preclosing
inspection - and don't think they won't.
9) Have your home inspected. Have the foundation, roof,
plumbing, etc... checked out. By having the results of a
positive inspection in hand for potential buyers it shows that
you know you have a good, well cared for house. The buyers will
be willing to pay more for your house. Also have it inspected
for pests, ants,and other insects.
There you have it 9 steps that will guarantee a much higher
resale value of any house in any area or neighborhood.
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