If it helps you sell, it's worth it.
This is a great post by a home stager on the ActiveRain network. I think that there is valuable information about your return on investment for a little elbow grease and not a lot of money! I hope that you can find a few tips as sellers to make your home Sparkle a little more before that next showing or open house.
Karen
Many sellers cannot see the value in preparing their home for sale. They just don't want to invest anything else in their home. The problem with this attitude is that if you don't value it neither will the buyer.
That investment doesn't have to be money. It can be time and effort.
Start with your curb appeal and get your garden in shape. Curb appeal is what gets the buyer to come out of the car. Make sure windows are clean and painted areas are in good shape. Landscaping gives you a 258% ROI according to HomeGain.
Painting may seem like a lot of work and expense but it will really update and freshen the look of your home. According to the HomeGain stats painting gives you a 109% ROI. It doesn't matter that the buyer may just paint again once they are in your home. That paint job helped sell your home.
Cleaning and De-cluttering is another way to make your home more appealing. Rooms without clutter look larger. This part of the process will take time and effort on your part. If you have to arrange for a storage unit, it will also cost you money. It's better not to clog the basement and garage with the items you removed. HomeGain stats say it will give you a 586% ROI. Well worth the effort.
Lightening and brightening a home gives you a 313% ROI. This refers to updating lighting fixtures but it also refers to window treatments. Updating light fixtures shows the buyer you have keep your home up. By simply removing extra sheers or heavy drapery you can let in more natural light which is valued by buyers.
Updating kitchens and bathrooms give you a 172% ROI. So if your sink is damaged or you need new taps consider replacing them. Perhaps your kitchen counter or vanity top has seen better days. A new laminate counter top can make a big difference in how the space is perceived. Taking down wallpaper and painting updates. Buyers need to feel that these areas do not need immediate attention when they take possession.
Replacing or shampooing carpeting can freshen up a room and make it look much better for the buyer. Doing this will give you a 169% ROI. If the carpet is worn consider replacing it but if the carpet is only soiled shampooing it can bring it back. You can do it yourself or have professionals do the work depending on your budget.
Staging your home also makes a big difference in how your home is perceived. Get a consult and then decide if you want to do the work or you want the Stager to do the work for you. The key thing is to get a plan for your home from a Professional. Know that you are making the correct changes to each room. According to HomeGain staging gives you a 299% ROI.
As a seller, you want the best Return On Investment you can get out of your home.
Selling a home 'as is' tells the buyer you don't value your home. If your budget doesn't allow you to invest money into your home, invest sweat equity. Sweat equity will make a difference in your landscaping; will de-clutter and clean your house; will take down voluminous window treatments letting in more light and may allow you to do minor repairs.
If these investments help you sell your home faster and for a better price isn't it worth it?
Avoid low offers that can come from the buyer seeing your 'as is' home as a 'bargain'.
Show the buyer you value your home and so should they.
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