Spring is the busiest season in the housing market. It’s the time of year when buyers are most active – that means it’s when homes sell faster and for top dollar. And even if you are several months out from putting your home for sale, it is not too early to partner with an agent. By starting now, you’ve still got time to space out the work and find any contractors you need to get the job done. If you wait until spring to roll up your sleeves, you risk running out of time – and that means your house may be overshadowed by others who are more buyer-ready.
The Right Repairs Will Matter More Now
Right now, two things are true. There are more homes on the market than there have been in years - inventory in the Pikes Peak region is at a 10-year high. And with interest rates not budging, buyers are being extra selective. That combination means you need to invest some time and effort in making your home the best it can be, but doing it strategically. That’s why it’s so important to talk to a local real estate agent before you dive into any repairs.
“As a seller, it’s smart to be prepared and control whatever factors you’re able to. Things like hiring a great real estate agent and maximizing your home’s online appeal can translate into a smoother sale — and more money in the bank,” according to financial services company Bankrate.
Focus on key repairs, quick wins
The most common projects homeowners are tackling are replacing water heaters, HVAC units, and flooring. But when evaluating your home, think about what you’d want to see if you were a buyer. According to research from residential construction data company Zonda, eight of the top 10 projects were projects aimed at improving a home’s curb appeal. Those items included upgrading garage and entry doors in steel or fiberglass, adding rock facade and expanding composite decks.
Here is a checklist of “quick wins” and staging tips.
Make basic interior and exterior repairs and updates.
-
Is everything in working condition? Repair and replace broken bulbs, switches, ceiling fans, door knobs, leaky faucets, loose railings, and steps.
-
Touch up any obvious cosmetic damage, such as holes or dents in the walls, peeling paint, water damage, or cracked windows and tiles.
-
Switch out-dated light fixtures and hardware in the entryway, kitchen, and bathrooms with more contemporary styles for an instant boost.
-
Consider replacing older, less efficient kitchen appliances with sleek, eco-friendly models to appeal to buyers.
Clean and declutter.
-
Stow away personal photos, collections, and knick-knacks that could distract buyers from seeing the property’s best features.
-
Remove unnecessary, dated, and larger furniture pieces that make a room feel dark and cramped.
-
Hire a professional cleaning service to make the home shine and smell fresh, which is especially important if pets are present.
Refresh and brighten.
-
Remove dated wallpaper and freshen walls with neutral paint so unique home features stand out.
-
Remove dark and heavy curtains to let more natural light in and spotlight the windows.
-
Remove and/or replace soiled carpeting, and polish dull and worn floors to make the room sparkle.
-
Consider spraying older kitchen cabinets or dark wood vanities with bright white paint, and add updated hardware for an instant facelift.
Create a “wow” factor with inviting, modern styling.
-
Return rooms to their original purpose to match buyers’ needs (i.e. style an upstairs office with a bed, nightstand, and small desk).
-
Use strategic furniture arrangements to improve flow and increase the perceived size of spaces.
-
Pair furniture with on-trend, modern accents that help buyers emotionally connect, such as shag or woven rugs, colorful wall art, pillows, and bright white bedding.
