You take on a great deal more responsibility as a homeowner than you ever did as a renter. There’s no longer a landlord to call whenever you have a maintenance issue or systems in the home start to fail. Eventually, every homeowner faces the fact that they need to fix up their house. Maybe it’s because you need to install additional safety features, maybe you need to replace outdated appliances with an energy-efficient dishwasher or dryer, or maybe you’re even looking to attract more buyers before you sell your house.
The real estate industry, like any other, has been through difficulties in the last year due to the coronavirus pandemic. House prices have soared along with buyer demand, which makes the current market a seller’s market. This isn’t great for homebuyers, but it does mean that right now is one of the best possible times to start fixing up your house to boost its market value. If you’re in a particularly competitive area for real estate, such as New York City, this may be the best opportunity you’ll get to sell for a long time. Here’s what you’ll need to know before putting up your listing.
Prioritize safety and practical features.
No matter how great a neighborhood is, no one is going to want to buy a house in it if they don’t feel like it’s safe. If you already have senior-friendly features, like handrails or a walk-in shower in the bathroom, that’s great. You can list them as selling points, considering that the senior population is only getting bigger. You’ll also want to make sure the home is well-protected from the elements and that everything is in proper working order. If you notice that your siding is stripping away or that your roof is leaking, you’ll need to call professionals like All Weather Seal.
These home improvement experts have years of experience and can weather seal the entire exterior of your home, from the roof to brand-new vinyl siding. Don’t neglect your windows, either. If you notice that air seems to leak in or out around them, then it may be time for replacement windows. New windows can significantly improve your home’s energy efficiency. The money you have on energy bills can pay for the replacements over time, and energy-efficient homes tend to sell faster and for higher prices.
Work with a great real estate company.
While it may be tempting to try and save commission money by selling your home on your own, it would be a mistake. Without a real estate broker or listing agent, it can be extremely difficult to sell a home, especially if it’s your first time. Look for professionals like the biggest realtor in NYC.
Professional realtors have years of experience selling properties, and they’ll know how to prepare your home for showings and market it online. A real estate agent can also give you personalized advice on the best areas to fix up in order to secure a better selling price. With this level of focus, you’ll have a much easier time getting your home ready, and you’ll be able to sell faster than you ever would on your own.
Don’t forget about your curb appeal.
With so much energy focused on fixing up the interior of your house and getting it updated for a modern market, it’s easy to forget about how your home looks from the outside. You need to realize that your curb appeal is your first impression on buyers, and lacking it will send the wrong message about your house.
Fortunately, you don’t have to spend a great deal of time or money on this part. Add some flowers to the front yard, or put a fresh coat of paint on your front door for an immediate difference. Beyond that, make sure your siding is clean and that you’ve cleared out the gutters, and your home will be ready to present.
