Today's article is a Guest Post by my friend Sam from Saint Louis, MO.
With real
estate on the rebound, people look to jump back in the business, while getting the
most out of selling their homes. Selling a house can be a difficult process,
since potential buyers have become more selective, risk averse and demand
higher quality for the money they will put down on a home. Although this
buyer’s skepticism has added pressure on sellers to produce and promote quality
houses for sale, hope is on the horizon for selling and buying with confidence.
If houses are worthy to buyers, then sellers won’t have a problem getting back
in real estate and getting those listings sold.
One mistake sellers make, in an
attempt to save money, time or both, is trying to sell a house that isn’t
ready. Producing a house that buyers will want to buy is the proper way to
sell. It’s essential to create something buyers will want and not force them
into believing a house is right for them. This only feeds the buyer’s
skepticism and will be counterintuitive down the road for the seller’s intent
on saving time and money.
The following home improvements can
redeem sellers’ houses for sale. However, these enhancements are under the
assumption that larger problems homes normally face are already fixed, such as
foundation damage, pest problems, and even mold and mildew infiltrations. The improvements
below are typically economical and easier to implement instead of solving the
previous, more challenging problems. They’re considered to be additions that
add value above the average cost, rather than home problem resolutions than
keep your home at its base value.
Create
Comfortable Lighting: Lighting
sets the mood of a home. Any home with unappealing or harsh lights will
distract the potential home buyer of being comfortable. A home needs to be an
invitation of relaxation. Take a coffee shop, for instance, or any atmosphere
of a restaurant. The lighting is typically low key, creating a cozy atmosphere.
People don’t want to be distracted from their meals. The same applies to a
home.
Make It Look
New: Throw up a
new coat of paint, vacuum the carpet and clean everything. I mean everything.
People love clean, tidy living quarters. It reduces stress. Otherwise, it’s
only sidetracking them from the rest of the home.
Plant a
Colorful & Lively Exterior: Plant some
flowers and other greenery out front. The outside is the first thing buyers
will see. It’s a first impression, so take advantage and give them a reason to
want to see the inside of the house.
Ensure
Energy Efficiency: A home will
be one of the most expensive purchases in someone’s lifetime. Anything that
will save them money along the way will only be beneficial. Ensure that windows
and doors are energy efficient, upgrade to energy star appliances and install
CFL’s. Sometimes it’s the small things that entice people.
Eliminate
Odors/Add Refreshing Scents: People want
to feel refreshed and even enticed upon entering a home. An odor-free or appealing
scent will be beneficial for buyers feeling comfortable or “at home” while
looking at a house.
These improvements will allow
sellers to add value to their houses for sale without having to put much effort
and, in some cases, much money into the projects. Sellers should be proud of
the homes they are selling, while buyers shouldn’t feel skeptical of buying a
home. With quality houses for sale, buyers and sellers will have the confidence
to continue with a purchase or sale, leaving both parties content.