planning on moving. do you have advice on how to fix your house?

Question

i would like to know what you did to get ready fo r when you were going to sell your house and if you never sold your house before what advice do you have
and how to sell your house at the top price
how to get the price you want
thanks

Answer 1

I don't have much advice about fixing up, but I do recommend using the company Buy Owner instead of a real estate agent. it will cost you 1/4 of what a realtor charges, and your house is advertised in a catalog and online until it sells. They come out and take professional photos, and handle all the paperwork for you. You have to set up appointments and show the house to the prospective buyer, but it's worth it to save some $. My hubby and I were moving out of state so we hired a friend to show our house for us. The whole process was very smooth, and they were easy to work with and very informed.
Good Luck!

Answer 2

Start at the curb, take a picture of the house's exterior. Then study it carefully. Back when we took slides I'd suggest turning the slide backwards so it seemed like a different home. Study it for first impression. People won't even leave the car if there are problems outside, broken gutters, bad concrete, needs paint (you can sneak by and just paint the front), etc.

You might consider taking pictures of the interior rooms and look at them carefully. Ask friends to comment on what they see. Don't be offended if they suggest changes. Listen, they may help you sell that house which is the goal. Your feelings have to be put aside.

Front door is first impression. Clean, neat, no dog scratches on the door.

From then on clean, uncluttered so the house appears larger. Move out extra furniture, books, misc items. If you want to keep and move this stuff, rent a storage locker. Go sleek but not stark. They are there to see the room size, not your collections of ancient tribal African masks. If the bedroom furniture barely fits, for the sake of selling the house, get rid of some items. You want the furniture in your house to fit. Clutter doesn't sell.

As mentioned above, no stains on the carpets.......I'd be in trouble there. If wood floors, get them shined up. No cracked floor or wall tiles. No pet smells. Either wash the walls or repaint them in neutral tones. People may not like that purple wall you just love. They can paint it their favorite color later.

Kitchens and bathrooms sell a home. How do your's stack up? Check for leaks and repair. Declutter. Fix anything broken, loose or looks bad. Kitchen re-do are very expensive, do what you can to make yours look it's best without breaking the bank. Declutter, paint, new hardware on the cabinets, a nice tablecloth on the table are all ideas.

Bathrooms of course can't have mold....icky. Keep the decor simple, remove magazine racks, etc. Shine up everything.

Clean all light fixtures, lamps and windows. Because when the house is being sold, you want to turn on the lights, even if it is day time. Open the drapes or blinds wider than you would normally. Well lighted homes sell better than dark gloomy homes.

Before the people arrive, turn on the hotwater faucets so the hotwater is available quickly.

In a conspicuous spot have a one page synopsis of the house and picture. Also include a map showing location of shopping, schools, parks or other important locations that may help with the sale. Have plenty of copies for them to take.

Don't be there when the house is sold. If the people have questions, it needs to go thru the realtor. People tend to sabatoge their own home sale.

Answer 3

Go neutral!
That is the single best piece of advise anyone can give.
You need to appeal to a large group of prospective buyers.
Paint over loud, bright, or dated colors with off white paint.
Make buyers feel they could move right in.
Box up clutter.
Leave open spaces on shelves and surfaces.
Febreeze the carpets, couches, and drapes.

If you are spending any amount money. The best things to update are the fixtures in the kitchen and bath.

Answer 4

clean, clean, clean,

OUTSIDE -- pressure wash anything you can, repaint if at all questionable -- then dress up the landscaping -- weed and feed lawn -- plant flowers -- keep it well groomed.

INSIDE -- repaint , shampoo or replace carpets, remove ALL clutter, leave a minimal amount of decorations -- or better yet -- clear out entire rooms to storage -- you're going to have to pack when it sells anyway.

Getting top dollar means getting a top Realtor -- interview, get CURRENT references and his/her track record for your neighborhood and price range. Negotiate the shortest listing possible -- never more than six months -- in case you pick a loser. Be a polite squeaky wheel and make sure they advertise !!

Answer 5

Paint in neutral tones - not too dark and not too light. Remember that you want to appeal to the masses, but just one person's taste. Pay particular attention to the kitchen and bathrooms. They can make or break a sale.

Answer 6

just clean it. the buyer has their own ideas, but sell as fast as you can because house prices are about to drop dramaticly.

Answer 7

get stains out of carpet, repaint walls if they need it, thinks like that, if there is anything broken in the house u should fix it. things like that would b good to do. i hope this helps! =)