It’s that time of year again, and Spring is among us! For many of our home sellers, it’s time to start all those projects you’ve been putting off and get the house ready to sell!
Typically, Spring is considered the start of the “Home Buying Season,” when buyers are more prepared to go house hunting because the weather’s mild. However, Thanks to our (Mostly) Sunny Southern California weather, we are in a 12-month real estate market!
According to Zillow, 73% of Sellers make at least one repair or improvement before selling their home, but which improvements are the right ones to get you top dollar? I’ve got you covered with nine home improvements that will make your home shine in the eyes of today’s buyers.
Address desire for mental health spaces
The past few years have been tough on all of us, so it’s no surprise that homeowners are looking for ways to improve those Zen and relaxation spots at home. Have a large corner within an existing room that works perfectly as a meditation corner? Try Showcasing a home’s tranquility by highlighting a small reading nook or spot in your garden to relax in.
Flexible Spaces
Have a large corner within the footprint of an existing room that works perfectly as a meditation corner? What about a den, office, or workout room that could be used for pretty much anything? Highlight and stage the flexible spaces available within their listings.
Spa-inspired bathrooms
Create the sense of calm and tranquility that buyers seek by reglazing an outdated bathtub, switching out vanities for a quick pop of color and wow factor or make some minor hardware swaps, and staging it for a relaxing bath.
Give buyers peace-of-mind
Most Homebuyers have indicated they want to avoid repairs and renovations if possible. When a buyer walks through your home, we want them to see themselves living in your home, not caught up in wondering how well the home has been maintained and think about the potential repairs and replacements they’ll need to make room for in their budgets. Luckily, there are three simple fixes for standard wear and tear to help.
Address deferred maintenance
Life tends to get in the way of life! We are all guilty of this! Usually, our home projects are the first thing to get pushed off because we are willing to live with them unfinished. Take care of any necessary repairs to ensure you don’t receive low-ball offers
• Cap exposed electrical wires or holes from removed lighting. This is a quick fix, that eliminates that thoughts and what if’s that come with seeing wires hanging or exposed.
• Have tile floors/ Grout steam cleaned. * This is one of the most significant impacts to flooring outside of installing new ones. It can make a room look refreshed entirely
• Paint your fences. Many of us have shared fences, and the cost to replace them has significantly increased in recent years. Try applying a coat of stain on them to make them pop
• Replace all Light Bulbs with LED lights. This simple fix can brighten up the entire home
Apply a fresh coat of Paint
A fresh coat of paint is one of the most cost-effective updates you can do! Over time, walls get scuffed, dinged, scraped, and sometimes even have “artwork” drawn on them. Applying a fresh coat before selling is an easy fix, and can make the entire home feel brand new. * My suggestion, throw a painting party and call everyone who owes you a favor, the kids, neighbors etc. and have them come help. Pizza, beer and soda can be quite the motivator when you ask for help
Replace or refinish worn-down flooring
Hardwood floors get worn down over time but can easily be refinished. Carpet in busy areas can become worn or stained. In some cases, deep cleaning carpet is enough or It might make sense to replace the carpet—either with carpet or a flooring option more suitable for today’s buyers, like laminate floors.
Curb Appeal, Make it shine!
It’s Spring in SoCal, so people will naturally focus more on the outside of the home. Most buyers decide whether or not they like your home within the first 10 seconds of seeing it. Since the first thing buyers see is the outside of your home, curb appeal can make or break a buyer’s entire opinion of a home. Having good curb appeal means everything in the front of your home looks maintained and polished, landscaping is crisp and fresh, the front porch and door are clean and bright, etc.
• Add flowers, trim trees, and bushes
• Wash the windows, inside and out
• Paint the Fascia boards and Trim for an outside refresh
• Add new mulch! $5 bag of mulch goes a long way! Don’t be afraid to use a bright color
• Replace or Remove old hose reels and hoses. If they are faded and gross, just remove them
• Clear weed in concrete cracks, seems, and planter beds. This is commonly overlooked
Doing just a few of these easy, low-budget items can definitely help your home shine and make a great first impression! Our goal is to get as many home buyers as possible to come to your home, view it, and fall in love with it, just like you did. If you feel your home requires more than just a little refresh, and that is what is holding you back from selling and starting the next chapter of your life, please give us a call! We have relationships with vetted, licensed, bonded, and insured contractors who can help with the bigger items, and the best part is they will bill the repairs through escrow, so there is no out-of-pocket cost for you until you sell your home! Happy Selling Season!
Andrea Murray
RE/MAX Empire Properties
951.383.7557
24663 Monroe Ave Murrieta CA 92562
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Inland Empire Areas serviced by RE/MAX Empire Properties : Hemet, Winchester, Moreno Valley, Lake Elsinore, Canyon Lake, Corona, Sage, Indian Wells, Indio, Jurupa Valley, La Quinta, Menifee, Murrieta , Norco, Palm Desert, Palm Springs, Perris, Rancho Mirage, Riverside, San Jacinto, Temecula, De luz, Beaumont, Banning, 29 Palms, Pioneer Town, Joshua Tree, Cathedral City
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