Are you thinking of selling your home or interested in learning about home prices in your neighborhood? We can help you. Home Value
When preparing to sell your house, you need to make sure it’s appealing to potential buyers. Many homeowners rush to fix every little flaw, thinking it will boost their property’s value, but not every improvement will give you a significant return on investment.
My rule of thumb is: if you’re going to put in a dollar, you better get at least $3 back. But what home fixes are considered a waste of time, and which ones are worth it and will give you your money’s worth? To help you out, here are my top three home repairs that you should avoid when getting your house ready to sell:
1. Minor HVAC, electrical, and plumbing issues. While well-maintained and fully functional systems are crucial for any home, this will not bring you a huge return on investment (ROI). Nevertheless, if they are leaking or if they are broken, it is in your best interest to have them updated or cured prior to listing. That being said, major problems that could significantly impact the home’s livability and safety should be fixed, but minor issues are usually better left for the buyer to handle.
2. Old appliances and windows. It’s not uncommon for homeowners to believe that installing new appliances and windows will make their homes more appealing to buyers. However, homebuyers often have specific preferences, and these pieces can be expensive. If your existing appliances and windows are still in decent condition, buyers may not see the value in replacing them with newer models, especially if they are already energy-efficient.
“Major problems that could significantly impact the home’s livability and safety should be fixed.”
3. Partial room upgrades. Giving a room a partial upgrade can lead to an inconsistent look and feel throughout the house. Plus, partial upgrades like paint or carpet make other items in the house look outdated, so I suggest that you keep the continuity of the property as it is and sell it as is.
Negotiating in real time is also always in your best interest because it limits your liability. It is also better than predicting what the buyer wants to fix or upgrade.
Remember that in every transaction, there are three things that prove true to a sale. First, the purchase agreement, next, the inspection response, and last, the appraisal. All of these three are going to be negotiated, and if you allow me the opportunity to represent you on your home sale, rest assured that you are only negotiating items that are in your best interest and that will increase your bottom line by the end of the sale.
When selling a house, it’s crucial to prioritize your efforts and investments wisely. If in doubt, feel free to call me at (317) 908-9614 or email me at Kelley@KellysIndyHomes.com. I can offer valuable insights and would be honored to help you!