When selling your home you are not only competing with your neighbors home, you are competing with new construction.
As we show homes to our home seekers new construction is very much part of the mix. Many times the new construction feels like a better deal to the buyer due to all the upgrades or newness to the home. It may even have less finished square footage! The buyer still wants that prestine clean updated look.
These are just a few idea’s we have that make sense! The Gordon Group works with many buyers, therefore we know what they are thinking, wanting and their concerns. This makes us a very strong listing agent. If you are thinking of listing in the spring, contact us now so we can be part of the preparation, we do not want you to spend unnecessary money in renovations or over improve - we just want to raise your desirability value; spending the least amount of money possible. Plus it is fun!
So what can you do to make your home feel like a new home, other than the normal decluttering - making the home spotless? Here are some idea’s that will help you compete in the new home market.
Doors - you may not think this is a big deal, but it the first thing a buyer touches and sees when they enter your home - the exterior door rarely looks good repainted - it always looks repainted. Buying a new front door can give the feeling of quality from the get-go
Add a front door with windows alows natural light to enter the home - making home home that may seem a bit dark - much brighter - here are some samples from door4home.com - what I like about this website it will tell you what thier top sellers are - so you know what is selling and popular - remember its not about you anymore, its renovating for the masses because you want to sell your home
Some great ideas here
Barn doors are trending now - I personally think it’s taking the place of the ever so loved pocket door. Less expensive to install - a great look and a space saver, adds charm and character to a home for very little money.
Michelle Gorodn has purchased several doors from Door4home and was very please with her purchase and customer serivce - here is link to thier barn doors
Storage lockers - do you have the hallway off the garage that maybe has old bi-fold doors? We see a lot of these - transforming this area with storage lockers is a fabulous way to make your home feel updated. Here is an idea from home depot we really like :)
Gas appliances VS Electric appliances - this of course is in the eyes of the beholder; which they prefer - however we can tell you we have never had someone ask to switch it over to electric but many times have negotiated the switch to gas. Grand Rapids, MI is known for their foodies, and many love to cook, if you are updating your appliances we recommend gas appliances.
If your cabinetry is old - do not make it look older by adding new counter tops - this is much too much of a contrast. If you can not afford a kitchen update - consider painting the cabinets, adding new hardware and getting some very nice formica - it will make the kitchen look fresh and clean and most importantly livable and tolerable till the new home buyer can renovate.
Bathrooms - remove all rusty stains and if the plumbing is old and showing it wear consider replacing them. Peiling finishes just makes the home look and feel old.
Carpeting - many ask me carpet or hardwood, I can tell you it's 50/50 in our world - Hard wood looks beautiful, however some people with some children prefer the carpet, they may like the look of hardwood better, but want to have a soft surface for their young kids. If you are ripping up the carpet and replacing it - be sure to take pictures of the wood floors that are underneath so you can advertise what is there, for the homebuyer that really wants the hardwood floors. We like the look of hardwood throughout the home other than the bedrooms - carpet in the bedrooms seems to be a big hit.
One other thing - we are going to go against all advice about removing personal pictures and say have them up, but with a purpose. If you have a great entertaining home - fill those frames of some great parties in the home - using the pool, the deck, the large yard….whatever it is you want to highlight that is great about living in your home. This is the one thing you can give to home buyer to make them have the warm fuzzies about the home that a new construction can not give. Show the love!
Want more ideas - call us! We are eager to help!
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