7 Things Not To Fix When Selling A House
When getting ready to sell a house, you could dump thousands upon thousands of dollars in repairs to get your property ready to show. We do this because we want to make the most money we can off of our sale and we believe that if the house is perfect, we will get the perfect price. Although there are many things that are "must-fixes," there are quite a few that can be left alone. Knowing when is the best time to sell a house is step one but also making the right decision on your home repairs can be the difference between turning a huge profit or wasting that profit on repairs. If you're asking yourself what not to fix when selling a house, look no further. Check out these 7 expensive things to not fix up before putting your house on the market, plus what to do instead.
1. Upgrading To The Latest Trendy Designs
This is number one on the list because it is a money-pit rabbit hole many sellers fall into. Sellers might think that their wood-colored hardwood floors need to be replaced with the latest "grey wood" trend or covered with the ever-popular marble-designed luxury vinyl, but they would be wrong. Replacing flooring is time-consuming and very expensive. Not only that, who's to say you're not out of touch and adding last year's trend permanently to your house? As long as there's no obvious major damage to the floors, as long as they are clean and looking decent, you can leave well enough alone.
TO DO: If you must "upgrade," you could add more neutral colors to your walls if they aren't already. This is work you can do yourself, saving you money in the end.
2. Outdoor Cement Work
Just about every sidewalk, driveway, and cement path have a crack somewhere along its surface. This is to be expected and the savvy home buyer knows this. As long as there's no structural damage and the cracks are minimal, there's no need to try to pretty them up. Besides, matching cement hues is nearly impossible and it could end up looking worse.
TO DO: Clean it up nicely by removing any weeds growing in the cracks, bleaching out any stains, and hosing and sweeping it clean.
3. The Infamous Kitchen Remodel
Talk about expensive! New cabinets, appliances, countertops, sinks, and hardware can run into the tens of thousands of dollars. Will the new buyer appreciate your work? Yes. Will they pay extra for it? Probably not. You are guessing as to what a potential buyer might want the kitchen to look like. Odds are you'll miss the mark so don't majorly upgrade the kitchen space.
TO DO: Buyers love a sparkling clean kitchen with no grit or grime anywhere. Make what you have shine the best you can.
4. Buying Modern Art and Furniture
Another never-ending money spree, trying to fill your house with the nicest furniture and art will cost you way more than you get in home value. Besides, home buyers know that anything not attached to the house, they do not get to keep! Don't waste your time and money.
TO DO: Go more sparse by removing personal items, leaving 2 or three generic items on each flat surface. Stick with your art, though, unless it's family photos. It might be best to simply leave the wall blank. You want the buyer to picture it as their house so a blank space can let their imagination go wild.
5. Room Additions or Permitted Work
If you need a permit for the upgrade, it will not be worth the time and money spent compared to the return you gain from the sale. Knocking out a wall for more open space is something the buyer can decide to do if it's something they want. They will be able to visualize this!
TO DO: If you fear rooms look or feel too small, be sure to open the blinds or curtains on every window and turn on every single light in the house. It will not only brighten your home, but it will also give your rooms a larger open feel.
6. Bathroom Upgrades
Switching out a tub or replacing bathroom countertops equals disaster for your pocketbook. They are expensive, messy, and time-consuming.
TO DO: Replace shower curtains, display fresh linens, and bleach everything so clean you could eat off of the surfaces. Remove any rust stains using over-the-counter cleaning products.
7. Outdoor Hardscapes
Many sellers think if they add a built-in fire pit or a huge natural gas BBQ set, they will make a ton more from their sale. The truth is, most buyers really focus on the interior. As long as the exterior is free from dead plants and trees and even cobwebs, it should not impact your sale.
TO DO: Again, people love open spaces, so clear clutter, stow away lawn equipment and replace any dead bushes, trees, and plants.
As you can see, the list of what not to fix when selling a house is extensive. Huge expensive projects and remodels will make very little difference. Focusing on openness, cleanliness, and decluttering are the best ways to get more green from your home sale. Alternatively, you could sell your house fairly quickly to a fast home offers company and skip the entire process of doing any repairs altogether. It's good to note that these types of direct home buying companies make it relatively easy for homeowners to sell their house as is by owner for cash.
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