Should you replace your laminate counters with granite before selling or just repair the burn marks? What about your leaking gutters? There's the outdated wallpaper in the hall bathroom, exterior paint that's peeling, and a window that sticks, too.
Deciding what to do about conditions like these can be difficult. On one hand, granite counters are expensive. On the other, laminate may turn off buyers who can choose from nearby homes with granite counters. Whether you'll get your money back on upgrades and repairs is one consideration. But some repairs and remodeling projects may make your home enticing to potential buyers.
How do you know whether to tackle a pre-sale project or leave things as is? Talk with a REALTOR®. He or she can give you guidance on what pays off. A REALTOR® has a finger on the pulse of what buyers are looking for in your neighborhood, how much they are paying for certain types of amenities, and how much interest properties similar to yours are generating. You will be able to discuss how the options fit your time frame and price expectations. And that can save you from making a decision you'll later regret.
Author: Marty Kramer, Texas Association of REALTORS®
Home buyers can overlook many deficiencies in a property, but the kitchen isn’t usually a place they like to compromise. As such, it’s a great place to make small improvements before you sell. Here are four things you can do to make your kitchen a selling point.
Freshen the paint and back splash
One of the easiest updates to your kitchen is to paint the walls and redo the back splashes to fit today’s trends. Many homeowners are opting for neutral colors, such as gray or ivory, for walls and back splashes. Not only do these colors provide a modern feel, they also provide a blank slate for prospective buyers.
Put a new face on appliances
Sure, buyers will love new appliances, but spending $10,000 on them won’t necessarily add $10,000 to your sales price. Another option is to give your current kitchen appliances a face lift. New doors on the refrigerator and oven, and panels for the dishwasher can make the kitchen pop without breaking the bank.
Sure, buyers will love new appliances, but spending $10,000 on them won’t necessarily add $10,000 to your sales price. Another option is to give your current kitchen appliances a face lift. New doors on the refrigerator and oven, and panels for the dishwasher can make the kitchen pop without breaking the bank.
Lighten up the room
Lighting is extremely important for any kitchen. Simple overhead lighting is a thing of the past. Modern home buyers are interested in unique, functional lighting that is cohesive with the overall aesthetic of the kitchen. Under-cabinet lights and glass pendants over islands are two of the top trends for modern kitchen lighting. Even installed battery-powered LED strips under cabinets can go a long way toward updating your kitchen’s look.
Lighting is extremely important for any kitchen. Simple overhead lighting is a thing of the past. Modern home buyers are interested in unique, functional lighting that is cohesive with the overall aesthetic of the kitchen. Under-cabinet lights and glass pendants over islands are two of the top trends for modern kitchen lighting. Even installed battery-powered LED strips under cabinets can go a long way toward updating your kitchen’s look.
Modernize the cabinets
Kitchen cabinets are perhaps the most noticeable feature of your kitchen. They help establish the style and aesthetics of the whole room. Some cabinet companies have gone high-tech with digital visualizations of what different cabinet styles, designs, and colors would look like in your kitchen. If completely replacing your cabinets isn’t in the budget, a simple refurbishing of the current cabinets can add significant value to the kitchen and the overall appeal of any home. Kitchen updates like these give you great bang for your buck—and will catch potential buyers’ attention.
Kitchen cabinets are perhaps the most noticeable feature of your kitchen. They help establish the style and aesthetics of the whole room. Some cabinet companies have gone high-tech with digital visualizations of what different cabinet styles, designs, and colors would look like in your kitchen. If completely replacing your cabinets isn’t in the budget, a simple refurbishing of the current cabinets can add significant value to the kitchen and the overall appeal of any home. Kitchen updates like these give you great bang for your buck—and will catch potential buyers’ attention.
Author: Alexandra Bohigian, guest expert, Texas Association of REALTORS®
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