Are you getting ready to put your house on the market?  Confused about how to make your home look its best without sabotaging your budget?  Here are some ideas for some home renovations when selling your house…

First impressions are huge.  Look at your house from the perspective of a buyer.  When we live in the same place for a long time, it is easy to overlook its overall condition.  How does the yard look?  How does the roof look?  If you have an old shake roof, a new buyer probably will not be able to get homeowner’s insurance for more than a 60 to 90 day initial period.  If the outside of the property isn’t maintained, buyers will be suspicious about what they can’t see.  Are there stains on the ceilings from old leaks?  Even if a leak has been repaired, a water-stained ceiling is a red flag.  A buyer will notice it, and so will the home inspector. Consider some inexpensive fixes, like painting the front door, or sprucing up front yard landscaping and adding a couple of colorful potted plants near the front door.  It makes the buyer feel that the seller has cared for the house. Similarly, when a seller has installed a new furnace or water heater, a buyer will feel confident that the seller has taken care of the house.

Be careful not to overdo! Now is not the time to try daring designs – stay neutral!  Try to appeal to the greatest common denominator.  There was recently a beautiful home in Pismo Beach for sale.  While the house appeared to be in great condition, the owner had sealed off the 3^rd bedroom and turned it into a walk –in closet, and also painted bold red and black stripes on the walls.  Many buyers can’t see past the initial impression.

Little things mean a lot! You can install new faucets, cabinet pulls, and lighting with a minimal budget and it will brighten the house immediately.   Think about re-caulking the area around an old bath or shower enclosure, or bleaching the grout between the kitchen tiles.

Rethink the value of a pool or hot tub. Unless you live in an area like Palm Springs or Phoenix, these actually have no resale value at all.  Many buyers feel that they pose safety hazards, especially buyers with children, and buyers also worry about maintenance frequency and cost.  They are seen as an inconvenience, not a selling point.  Think of the common denominator….you want to appeal to the largest slice of the population that you can!

If your home is dated, you probably won’t recoup the money you spend on a remodel.  I’ve seen people spend tens of thousands of dollars on flooring, kitchens, etc., just to have a new buyer rip it all out and start over.   Consider bringing in a home stager instead, so that you can show off furniture and accessories you have in the best way possible.  You might consider refacing your cabinets if they look worn, or painting them, rather than redoing a kitchen. Or, you might try refinishing a floor or bringing in area rugs rather than gutting the kitchen and completely remodeling it.  It might make sense to replace extremely outdated appliances, but it’s unlikely you’ll recoup your investment with an extensive remodel.

Painting is the least expensive improvement you can make that is likely to return more than you invest, provided you select the right colors.  Pay attention to the front door, as it is the gateway to your home.

Good luck!  And remember, a knowledgeable Realtor can offer valuable guidance as you get ready to list your property.