When you’re marketing a home, you want prospective buyers to focus on what’s great, not what needs fixing or is in poor condition. The idea is to take attention off areas of superficial concern that buyers might otherwise focus on. Every negative adds up in the buyer’s mind, so it’s often wise to do some basic updates and repairs before the home is listed.
- Kitchens and bathrooms: A kitchen or bath remodel may not be possible or practical, but some updating will help these spaces appeal to potential buyers. In many neighborhoods, upgraded and updated kitchens and baths are the norm, and anything less will be looked upon negatively. If the appliances are old and in less-than-perfect condition, replace them. An updated kitchen faucet is another nice touch that doesn’t have to cost a lot. In the bathrooms, tile flooring should be professionally cleaned and the grout sealed. If the tile is in bad shape, replacing it with new, basic tile will make it a nonissue. Here, too, an updated faucet is a good choice. Replace the shower curtain with a neutral style or better yet, remove it altogether for a tidier appearance. This will make the bathroom look larger, too.
- Flooring: Carpeting should be cleaned and in good condition. If it’s worn and stained, the best choice is to simply replace it. The same goes for kitchen flooring—if it’s in bad shape, new flooring is the way to go. In some cases it can be installed right over the existing floor. Replacement flooring doesn’t have to be top quality; the most important thing is that it looks good and won’t draw negative attention.
- Outside: Outdoors, replace any missing or damaged fence boards. It may be obvious that they’ve been replaced, but that’s preferable to leaving the fence in bad shape. Plants should be trimmed and weeds pulled. A thick application of bark mulch will make planting areas look clean and neat instead of looking like a mess the new owner will have to deal with.
As you well know, one of the first impressions you want a buyer to have is, “It looks like this home has been well taken care of.” Better-looking homes can mean better offers for your clients and happier buyers, which will reflect well on you, too.
This article was provided by Pillar To Post Home Inspectors.
