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Preparing to Sell
When first impressions count the most
There's no need to spend a ton of money remodeling your home before you sell. A
few key improvements could significantly increase your selling price and make
for a faster home sale.
What key improvements could increase your selling price?
The general rule in real estate is that buyers seek the least expensive home in the best neighborhood they can afford. In terms of improvements, this means you want a home that fits in the neighborhood but is not over-improved. For example, if most homes in your neighborhood have three bedrooms, two baths and 2,500 sq. ft. of finished space, a property with five bedrooms, more baths and far more space would likely be priced much higher and likely be more difficult to sell.
Improvements should be made so that the property shows well, is consistent with the neighborhood and does not involve capital investments, the cost of which cannot be recovered from the sale. Furthermore, improvements should reflect community preferences.
Cosmetic improvements - paint, wallpaper and landscaping - help a home "show" better and often are good investments. Mechanical repairs - to ensure that all systems and appliances are in good working condition - are required to get a top price.
Ideally, you want to be sure that your property is competitive with other homes available in the community. Your local Coldwell Banker Welcome Home Real Esate Agent who has seen numerous homes, can provide suggestions that are consistent with your marketplace. |
| If you're not currently working with a real estate agent, Find a professional who meets your needs or Contact Us. |
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| Below is a concise punch list with key items that could significantly increase your selling price and make for a faster home sale:
Curb Appeal
Keep your front entrance well-maintained
Repaint your front door
Repaint or replace door hardware
Repaint or replace house numbers to make them easy to see
Repaint the mailbox
Make sure the doorbell works
Repaint or replace stair railings
Do a little landscaping
Garden beds need to be well defined and freshly mulched
Keep the lawn edged, cut and watered regularly
Trim hedges, weed lawns and flowerbeds, and prune trees
Add a few showy annuals, perhaps in pots, near the front entrance
Take care of other exterior features
Check the foundation, steps, walkways, walls and patios for cracks and crumbling
Inspect doors and windows for peeling paint; keep the windows clean and free of spider webs and vines
Clean, align and secure the gutters
Inspect and clean the chimney
Keep shutters in good condition, freshly painted and hung straight
Repair or replace loose or damaged roof shingles
Repair or repaint loose siding and caulking
Keep the garage door closed
Walk into Something Wonderful
Give every room in the house a thorough cleaning. Wash the windows inside and out, clean the carpets and wash the walls.
If the walls and carpet are especially dingy or brightly colored, repaint or re-carpet with a neutral shade, such as off-white or beige.
Get rid of the clutter and make your house appear bigger and brighter.
Rent a storage unit
Have a garage sale!
Donate your excess "stuff" to charity
Repair cracks, holes or damage to plaster, wallboard, wallpaper, paint and tiles
Replace broken or cracked windowpanes, moldings, and other woodwork
Inspect and repair the plumbing, heating , cooling, and alarm systems
Repair dripping faucets and showerheads
Re-caulk bathroom shower or tub if necessary
Spruce up a kitchen or bathroom with new cabinet knobs, curtains and towels
Repair anything that could be construed as dry rot
Repair a leaking roof or wet basement
Make sure every electrical outlet and light switch is in working order
Replace all lightbulbs with the maximum wattage bulb permissible. Light sells!
Print the list.
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May we help you...
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Ph. 507-387-1131
113 N. Broad St.
Mankato, MN 56001
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