Last week I read an excellent post, The Best Decisions Are Made From A Position Of Strength, written by Sally K. & David L. Hanson.
It reminded me of something I tell my sellers who are not quite convinced they should make an improvement I'm suggesting. Whether their hesitation is based on the cost, the time involved, or the physical work....my answer is usually the same.
You will be in a far better position in the negotiation process if the improvement is done PRIOR to listing your home.
It may be updating old appliances,
replacing worn carpet,
refinishing wood floors,
installing a new heating system,
replacing the roof, chimney, gutters, whatever it is that is falling apart and/or on it's last legs.
If you make improvements before listing, you have more control.
You have control, more specifically, over the cost.
Listing a home with "new appliances", for example, will cost you less than the allowance and/or price reduction that buyers will want in order to choose their new appliances.
Negotiations between sellers and buyers can be stressful enough without the added stress of having a home inspector announce a new roof or new heating system is needed.
If your home needs improvements made, you will make those decisions from a position of strength only if strangers....potential buyers....are not involved!
If you choose NOT to make the improvements prior to listing, you risk giving up control and being in a position where you are making decisions from a position of weakness rather than a position of strength.
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