Sunday, 25 December 2011

How to improve the value of your house before you put it up for sale


Before putting up your house out for sale it is imperative to make certain simple changes that improve the saleability of your house. At any given point of time the number of houses for sale is generally more than the number of potential buyers making it a very competitive field.  But with a little bit of effort and some monetary investment you can make your property more appealing than others. The best qualities of the house should be highlighted and the flaws carefully downplayed.
  1.   Inspect and repair

It is necessary to look at the house from the point of view of a prospective buyer and determine what is undesirable. The house must be inspected carefully for problem areas and repairs required. Cracked floor or counter tiles should be replaced, leaky faucets be fixed, jammed doors/drawers be mended, ceiling fans/light fixtures should be clean and in working condition and any kind of odours from drains or sinks should be taken care of. It is also important to neutralise the colour palette of the house, stark personal choices of colours like bright purple or deep red should be changed.


 
    2.     The first impression is outside

The first view the buyers get of a house from outside can alter their perception of the property. If it is not satisfactory it can even stop them from taking a look inside. So in order to up the curb appeal the outside must also be spruced up. Paint your front door, house number and letterbox if required. Ensure there is a clear path to the main entrance, if there is a lawn it should be mowed. Common clutter like toys, gardening tools, bikes should be removed. Any loose roof shingles or holes in the fence need instant repairs. The driveway and garage if any should also be made to appear spacious and tidy.
  
    3.     Illusion in Realty

You should make all attempts to make your house appear as large as possible. This means presenting as much floor space as possible.  Unnecessary furniture cluttering the rooms should be removed and stored elsewhere. Generally, there should be enough space for people to move around the room and enough furniture to convey the room's purpose.
 
Cupboards and drawers should be clear to display maximum storage space. Pay extra attention to the kitchen and the bathrooms. Clean and organize cabinets. Open windows to ensure an abundance of natural light in the home. 

   4.      Research and Marketing

Before the house is put up for sale in the market find out what are the current market rates in the neighbourhood. One must have realistic price expectations and also know that in the current scenario of the market which aspects of the house to emphasise and which to minimise. Improvements that are made should also reflect community preferences. Minor details like the backyard getting the sun all year round, the kitchen garden, fruit-bearing trees etc. should also be emphasised.


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