When it comes to the resell value of a home, one of the most important things you can do is ensure the property is in excellent condition. While many people focus primarily on location, condition is what will ultimately sell the house. Remember, people see a home not just as places to live but also as an investment. Therefore, they want the home to be in the best possible condition for the money.
Now, keep in mind that the condition of the property is very important but so is the home’s potential. For example, if you were shopping around for a new home, you might look at fixer-uppers as a means of saving money. However, while you see immediate things needing to be fixed, you also look past some of those things to see the heart or potential of the home. If you determine a little bit of TLC will transform the home then you might buy.
On the other hand, if you are trying to sell you house then you definitely want to do all you can to make the home presentable so as people walk through, they will be impressed and ready to make an offer. In this case, you want to pay attention to both the inside and the outside of the home. On the inside, you might need to replace some carpeting, paint the walls, put in a new light fixture, or fix a leaky pipe. However, the outside is just as important, if not more so. The reason – the outside is what people will see first so you want the outside to have a good paint job, nicely trimmed plans, beautiful flowers, no cracks in the driveway, and so on.
If your home looks inviting from the minute buyers drive up, then your chance of selling has just increased. You want the home to feel like home to potential buyers on the outside but also on the inside. If possible, make sure the property has a nice view, something intriguing and peaceful. In fact, homes with a view typically sell faster but also for more money. If your home simply does not have a good view, then create a homey look from the outside in.
You would be amazed at how much landscaping can do for any home. Even if you were selling a small or older home, with the right landscaping or “curb appeal” your home will sell. The key to success with selling is to give the potential buyer the impression that the home is well groomed and worth the price. For instance, if you have a flowerbed but not much in it, invest in some colorful perennials such as tiger lilies or inexpensive shrubs.
Just as you would fix anything obvious on the inside, do the same for the outside. In this case, if the gutters need to be replaced, invest in new ones. Rather than having the garden hose tossed in a pile, purchase a $20 garden hose case, making this appear orderly. Remember, depending on the condition of the property, you may or may not have to invest a little money. However, most often the investment will pay off, making the home sell for perhaps more than the listing price.