Please call me first!


 Electric Outlet on Lake Ridge HomeHaving toured thousands of homes over the years I've gotten a pretty good sense of what appeals to buyers and what doesn't.  Though I'm not a professional remodeler or home inspector it isn't hard to spot when a Lake Ridge homeowner might have either decided to make a fix themselves or didn't hire a professional to help them with the job.

If you are going to remodel your kitchen adding a power strip and running it through a hole in the kitchen counter instead of installing an outlet on the wall isn't going to fly.   Not only will a home inspector flag it but if the buyer is using FHA or VA financing the appraiser isn't going to do the same as well. 

Thinking of installing new carpet?  Thank you.  Buyers love to see new carpet but if you pick dark brown Berber for a below ground basement it's not likely to impress.  Either is installing carpet in the bedrooms with no padding and stapled directly into the hardwood floor.  The buyer's realized even though the carpet was new they would have to replace it.

Now I know this may sound a little harsh but buyers notice and immediately start to subtract the cost of the repairs from your list price.  It's the reality of the Lake Ridge real estate market right now.  Before you spend money on changes to your home it's best to know what buyers are looking for and the return on your investment towards you list price. 

2010 Home Repair Maximizer Report

Repairing electrical or plumbing
 Fix leaks  sinks, remove any mildew and make sure all plumbing is in good working condition. Update electrical with new wiring for appliances, fix lights or outlets that don’t work.

$535 Cost
$1,505 Return

Replace or shampooing dirty carpets.
At a minimum, replace any worn carpets, and fix any creaks in hardwood floors.

$647 Cost
$1,739 Return


           As you can see there are some quick and easy fixes done right more than pay for themselves.

If you're considering putting your Lake Ridge home on the market this winter or are planning ahead to next spring, give Cindy Jones and CJ Realty Group a call at 703-346-2213.  Let's talk about your plans and outline a strategy for any repairs or updates that might help make your home the next Lake Ridge home with a SOLD sign in the yard.

                No Hassle-No Pressure-Just Straight Talk About The Northern Virginia Real Estate Market

If you are interested in learning more about the Northern Virginia Real Estate market including Alexandria, Arlington, Fairfax and Prince William Counties give Cindy Jones and CJ Realty Group, Inc a call at 703-346-2213. 

Military Relocation Specialist serving military families relocating to and from the Pentagon, Fort Belvoir, Quantico MCB and all of the Military District of Washington installations. 

Check out www.varealestatetalk.com and www.cjrealtygroup.com for more information.
CJ Realty Group Woodbridge VA 

Licensed in Virginia



 

 

 
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22 Comments on Remodeling Your Lake Ridge Home Before You Put It On The Market?

20 Most Recent Comments Displayed Show All

NOV
18
2011
1,515,973 Points 112 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Called Shot Master

New carpet does such wonderful things to make a listing attractive.  And remember to keep it neutral to appeal to more buyers.  Dark blue and pink won't quite cut it, even if they are new.
10:06pm • #3
378,625 Points 5 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Cindy, 

Great advice.  Being in the trenches everyday, we can help them understand where BEST to spend dollars and enjoy the higher ROI on their money.

All the best, Michelle
10:15pm • #4
NOV
19
2011
757,051 Points 37 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

Cindy ....great points as always .....It can make a huge difference!

Have a great weekend!
7:01am • #5
1,522,477 Points 162 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Leesa-the big box store ads give too many people the thought they can do it themselves.  And so they do.
7:35am • #6
1,522,477 Points 162 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Eric-glad you had a helping hand to straighten out your electical hazzards.
7:36am • #7
1,522,477 Points 162 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Chris Ann-dark brown in a basement certainly wasn't a wise investment.  You are right neutral and with a decent pad goes a long way.
7:36am • #8
1,522,477 Points 162 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Michelle-I don't expect a homeowner to pay a fortune in repairs but the ones they do should be correct.  This house was priced well above what it will sell for in it's current condition.
7:37am • #9
1,522,477 Points 162 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Rob-the way a house looks and feels the moment a buyer walks in the door will help with the SOLD sign.
7:38am • #10
421,110 Points 12 Featured Posts Called Shot Master

So Cindy I am guessing that you just saw these things? This should definitely go in the group Diary of a Realtor! Great advice!
12:44pm • #11
477,249 Points 10 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Great post and it is amazing how much we pick up on by simply working with people seeing houses over time. Has not kept some sellers from simply ignoring my advice or arguing with my observations. Calling you would be a great idea.

Cal
5:46pm • #12
1,522,477 Points 162 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Peggy-we saw those things and a few more.  When asked for feedback I got an argument from the listing agent.  Really you didn't notice?
7:12pm • #13
1,522,477 Points 162 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Cal-I'm always going to defer to a professional home inspector or licensed contractor when it comes to what needs to be fixed.  However some things are obvious to even an untrained eye.
7:13pm • #14
958,432 Points 24 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Band aid fixes are easily discovered. Just get a professional in the first place and save the money to re-fix the fix.
8:02pm • #15
1,907,817 Points 383 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Cindy, I love it when sellers call me before they start renovations.  It can save them a bundle to be able to explain what is not cost effective or earn them a bundle when they figure out what is cost effective.
9:26pm • #16
627,100 Points 8 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Hit Router Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Cindy, I have a great reference for anyone needing to make repairs on their home in our area.  I suggest him to all my sellers when we list their home.......some think they can do everything, while others are grateful for the help.
10:21pm • #17
NOV
20
2011
1,522,477 Points 162 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Ellie-everything we saw in this house screamed DIY and some of them will turn out to be bigger to "unfix" than they would have been to fix right the first time.
7:46am • #18
1,522,477 Points 162 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Pat-I've had sellers that I worked with for months in advance of listing their home.  It is wonderful to know when it goes on the market it will be de-cluttered and ready to go.
7:47am • #19
1,522,477 Points 162 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Kay-I always have the name of a handyman and contractor ready.  Only had one time when someone followed all my suggestions, used my handyman and then listed with someone else....UGGGHH.
7:48am • #20
NOV
21
2011
532,055 Points 45 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Hit Router Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Cindy, great post, you would think that this would be "gimmie" info, but that never seems to be the case...lol
6:15pm • #21
1,522,477 Points 162 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master
Cal -I'm often amazed how some of the simple things are overlooked. A Realtor is a good resource for a seller to talk to before remodeling to sell.
10:48pm • #22

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Cindy Jones-Northern Virginia Real Estate & Military Relocation Services

Woodbridge, VA

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