Dunes Marketing Group

Remodel with an Eye Towards Resale

When you’re ready to place your home for sale many people think of remodeling as a way to increase the sales price. If you’re careful about it, you can do just that, but you could also spend money that you’ll not get back at the time of the sale.

The simple rule of thumb is this: if you’re home will need enhancements to sell, you should do them and enjoy them while you’re still living there.

We strongly recommend that you meet with a Realtor from the Dunes Marketing Group before you begin any remodeling projects intended for the sale of your home. We can work with you to determine how much comparable properties are selling for and work with you to determine the minimal amount required to get you the best price. That’s what you’ll want to do: the minimum amount of remodeling to get the sale.

Often the amount of remodeling and refreshing is quite low, some fresh paint, a fixture or two replaced, and a thorough cleaning will do the job. When you get into major projects, like a complete kitchen remodel or upgrading bathrooms, you could be spending money that won’t be reflected in the eventual sale price.

Here are some basic tips:

  • Clean! You’ll be surprised at how big a difference a professional cleaning crew can make to your property. Getting everything expertly cleaned will also show areas that need more than cleaning to make them show in the best light.
  • Repair anything that’s broken. A marred piece of drywall, a gouged piece of trim, maybe a broken door handle. All of these things are magnets to shoppers’ eyes. It might help to find a friend to walk around and put notes on EVERYTHING that they can find that will need touchup or repair.
  • Repaint and redecorate to remove any “personality” you’ve added. Personal touches are what make a home yours. But you don’t want this to be your home any more; you want it to be someone else’s. This is the time to repaint any boldly painted walls to more conservative and lighter colors.  You may also want to remove some of your personal touches, accessories, and trinkets to make the home easier to sell. Remember: paint is cheap. Storage is cheap.

Here’s the most important point: get some advice from the professionals. The Realtors at the Dunes Marketing Group see literally hundreds of homes every year, all by the side of hyper critical house hunters. We know how they react, what they like, and what makes them pause and shake their heads. Ask us, we’ll be happy to let you in on the secrets. [link: contact]

You might also enjoy this helpful article from Realtor Magazine:
http://realtormag.realtor.org/home-and-design/cost-vs-value/article/2011/01/2011-cost-vs-value-help-clients-stretch-their-remo