Planning to sell a property in 2025? The market is strong right now and even if it takes a little bit of time, you should still get near the asking price if it’s near fair market value. The challenge for many sellers this year will not to sell their home but to get the full asking price. One of the best ways to do that is by making improvements to your home before selling it.
Each property has different needs and a great example of those needs can be with the structure itself. Is the roof leaking? How are the appliances working? If there are issues with the property, addressing them is the best way to get near the asking price. So, what needs to be fixed? Take some time to walk through the property with your realtor and a contractor.
Improving Your Home
While looking through your property, your realtor and contractor may find several areas that they would recommend you address. These can be upgrades, renovations, and other needs. Focus on a budget and what you can afford to cover because it will all help you get what you want for the property.
- Make sure there are no liens: A creditor may have filed a lien against your property for whatever reason. You want to make sure you check for this and make sure there are no liens against your property. Also, make sure all loans on the property are either paid off or addressed with your realtor.
- Check on all permits and work: Are you the original owner of this house? Was everything done to code and since, have there been permits taken out, and passed, for any new work you’ve done? Their realtor is going to check that the house was built the right way.
- Make improvements where needed: I dim light halfway is something you need to fix. Why? Because the buyer will consider that work that they need to do and that impacts how much they are willing to pay. Fix what’s broken, outdated, not working or inconvenient.
- Roof and windows are big: The insurance company will want to know if the house is in great shape. One of the things they look at first is the condition of the roof and windows.
- How old is the kitchen: If the buyer does not feel like they would want to cook a meal in your kitchen, they are not going to give you your asking price. Kitchens can sell houses.
- What condition are the bathrooms in: Yes, you cannot forget about the bathrooms. You want them to look clean and updated as well. They do not need fancy appliances but they need to show that you have space and can keep the room clean without a lot of effort.
- How is your yard: The same strategy applies to your yard. When there are areas that need to be addressed, the buyer will offer less. Make them have to replace something you just upgraded, because they will be paying you full price to do it.
- Fix the driveway: Sellers continue to overlook their driveway. They put a lot of time and effort into their yard and the look of the house, but they forget to address the driveway.
- Don’t forget about your laundry room: A buyer is going to be thinking about living in your home before they can make upgrades. Will they be comfortable doing laundry with the current machines and have room?
- Clear it out: Do not underestimate the value of getting out of your house entirely before you list. Move out and take all your furniture and belongings. Not only does this make it easier to clean and strangers are not going through your personal stuff, but it also makes the property more appealing to buyers.
You may have limitations on what you can do. This is why you need to talk to your realtor and a contractor about time, budget and expectations. You can work together to find the right solution and get you full value for your property.
