Getting Your Home Ready

You need to start by taking a close, objective look at the property. Walk around the exterior with a pad of paper and write down everything that needs to be done to make the house look it's best. Do the same inside and then sit down and determine how much time and money you can put into making the property most appealing to perspective buyers.

Professional Opinion

If feasible, I suggest that you have your home inspected by a licensed home inspector:

  • You can find major defects in the property which you can have fixed beforehand possibly increasing your net profit.
  • You will be fully prepared for the results of the buyer's inspection and thereby able to handle objections and negotiations with no surprises.

Simple Fixes

Got a dripping faucet or a cracked tile? These will send the wrong message to potential buyers. Getting them fixed before you put your house on the market is a smart idea.

  • If you have wallpaper, strongly consider removing it. Never paint over it. Take my word for it!
  • Check sinks and faucets for leaks
  • Fresh caulk can make a bath area look revitalized
  • Check door knobs, cabinet drawer handles, and window latches to see if they are loose or missing.

Neutral Colors Sell BEST! - Neutral colors allow potential buyers to imagine themselves living there, which is what we are trying to do. A fresh coat of paint is almost always a great idea.

Take a hard look at your carpets - Is there hardwood under them? If so, consider removing the carpets and refinishing the floors. Hardwood sells better than wall-to-wall. If not, and the carpets are stained, consider having them steam-cleaned or replaced altogether, though stick with the idea of neutral tones.

Getting the Most From Repairs...

It is very important before you do any repairs to be sure that the money you spend will be reflected in equity...

Certain repairs can bring you a return on your investment. Others, however, regardless of how much you spend, won't add any value to the property. While you want to be sure your home is as appealing to potential buyers as possible, you need to be careful not to overextend yourself on repairs before selling.

Too often a homeowner will invest huge amounts of time and money in repairs just to realize that much of that money will not be recouped in a higher sale price. A couple of improvements that do usually bring added value are kitchens, bathrooms, porches, and the exterior.

In some instances, slightly lowering the asking price for the buyer to make the repairs can open up your home to more buyers who may not be able to afford the home when completely fixed-up, but can put time and effort into the project, all while saving you the time and expense of doing them yourself.

If you'd like some tips on what repairs would be best for your home, call me at 617.566.0300.

Charissa Pemper, Boston REALTOR®

Charissa Pemper
Lic. MA Real Estate Broker, REALTOR®
Charissa@HomesInBoston.com