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9 Improvements that SELL!!

By
Real Estate Broker/Owner with State Wide Realty Co. 0225108792

Improvements that SELL!!

Let's face it selling a home in today's market can take something many of us don't have - Time.  While you're anxiously awaiting that call with an offer, you may be feeling helpless and stressed, wondering what can I do?? Well the answer is simple…HOME IMPROVEMENT!

Now wait, I can hear you thinking … I'm not spending one more dime on this place.
There are A LOT of homes on the market, and you want yours to sell right??? If you're like most of us you have a mortgage payment and every month you don't sell is payment.  So the question is not if you can afford to fix up your home to sell but if you can afford NOT to fix up your home to sell.

Now that you're with me, lets talk about quick or cheap fixes….NO big spending because you won't recoup that money!!  Take a honest walk around your house and make a list of minor repairs, if you don't see anything ask your realtor. 

Improvement ideas for your list:

Broken Fixtures
– Light switch and outlet covers are CHEAP!!

Change Light Bulbs – Really, how much is a light bulb (even if you don't use that room).

Fix leaky faucets –Just fix it, it costs you little to nothing!

Doors that stick or won't shut - Better to fix it than leave a negative impression.

Cracked caulking – Re-caulking sinks and tubs give a crisp clean look.
Locks & Door Knobs - Tighten existing knobs…or splurge on an upgraded door knob and deadbolt for the front door.

Paint Interior Walls – We all have our own taste in colors; now that you're ready to sell change the paint to neutral colors to attract more buyers.

Paint trim and doors –Give your home a fresh clean look from the curb.

Tidy up the Yard - Trim the bushes, weed the flowerbeds and cut the grass. Pick up the kids toys and make your yard look inviting.  Most of this will just take time and not cost a thing!

Pressure wash the house and windows - Let's face it nothing makes a house look cleaner than cleaning it!

Just keep in mind, if it sells your home faster and doesn't cost much,you may not get your money back but keep from paying a lot of mortgage payments that add up quick!!

Fill us in on any cost-effective home improvement tips you may have.

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Comments (15)

Peter den Boer
Atlanta Communities - Woodstock, GA
MBA,GRI, Associate Broker, Realtor

Larry - You are so right! Usually it is the little things that, when taken care of, make the biggest difference! Thanks for the good reminder list!

Jan 14, 2011 12:19 AM
David Popoff
DMK Real Estate - Darien, CT
Realtor®,SRS, Green ~ Fairfield County, Ct

Larry I agree with you 100%, especially on the point of a clean house, make it sparkle inside and out, and de-clutter as well, thanks for the suggestions.

Jan 14, 2011 12:21 AM
John McCarthy
North Hampton, NH
Realtor - Seacoast NH

Larry,

It doesn't get any cheaper or quicker than the suggestions you made. I know its an old cliche, but you never get a second chance to make a good first impression anf this is especially true for homes. Thank you for a great post.

Jan 14, 2011 12:22 AM
Dan Edward Phillips
Dan Edward Phillips, Humboldt and Del Norte Counties, CA - Eureka, CA
Humboldt and Del Norte Counties, CA

Good Morning Larry, an excellent list to provide to home owners who will be listing their property.

Jan 14, 2011 12:26 AM
Melissa Juarez
Massachusetts Buyers Broker Agency, LLC - Quincy, MA

Thanks Larry for the post. There are many improvements on the list that are absolutely going to pay off.

Jan 14, 2011 12:29 AM
Connie Harvey
Pilkerton Realtors - Brentwood, TN
Realtor - Nashville TN Real Estate

Larry, I have my own personal house on the market and I finally hired a stager. It has really made a difference in the pictures and the feedback.

Jan 14, 2011 12:58 AM
Joan Cox
House to Home, Inc. - Denver Real Estate - 720-231-6373 - Denver, CO
Denver Real Estate - Selling One Home at a Time

Larry, it is nice when the seller has enough cash to fix some important items prior to listing!     There is a better chance of getting a full-price offer!   Great post!

Jan 14, 2011 01:45 AM
Stella Barbour
NoVa Brokers LLC - Vienna, VA
Principal Broker, Serving Virginia and Maryland

All of these things are very important.  Thanks for posting a great list of necessary fixes to get it sold.

Jan 14, 2011 01:55 AM
Craig Snead
Quality Home Investments, LLC / Dearborn Heights, MI - Dearborn Heights, MI
Real Estate Investor

Larry, all good points and simple fixes. A buyer walking through your home may see ten positives and only one negative, but they will remember that one negative more than the positives. Why give them something negative to think about?

Jan 14, 2011 04:46 AM
Margaret Woda
Long & Foster Real Estate, Inc. - Crofton, MD
Maryland Real Estate & Military Relocation

I just re-blogged this, Larry.  Excellent suggestions for any home seller!

Jan 14, 2011 01:37 PM
Cheryl Ritchie
RE/MAX Leading Edge www.GoldenResults.com - Huntingtown, MD
Southern Maryland 301-980-7566

I reblogged with this comment:

I like the comment on this post that it is not a matter of can you afford to fix up but can you afford not to fix up? I think paint, carpet, mulch and declutter are the four big areas each home seller should address. The treanslate in to quicker sales for more money.

Jan 14, 2011 03:20 PM
Teral McDowell
Referral Patners LLC - Murphy, TX

Some good suggestions to help sell a home and not give away all the profit.

Jan 14, 2011 03:27 PM
Andi Grant
310-508-4354 | FirstTimeHomeBuyerRealEstate.com - Los Angeles, CA
Helping 1st time buyers and home sellers in LA!

Great and inexpensive fix list! 

Jan 18, 2011 04:55 AM
Sheldon Neal
Bergen County, NJ - RE/MAX Real Estate Limited - Maywood, NJ
That British Agent Bergen County NJ

Terrific and manageable tips Larry !

Jan 18, 2011 05:33 AM
Roy Kelley
Retired - Gaithersburg, MD

Very good advice for home sellers. Keep up the good work!

 The colors of winter in Montgomery County, MD. Life is good!

Jan 18, 2011 10:48 PM