239-848-5646
josh@mcwilliamsbuckley.com
8971 Daniels Center Dr, Suite 303, Fort Myers, FL 33912
PREPARE FOR THE SALE
Paint inside and out
Fresh paint is the most cost-effective and profitable improvement you can make, even if your home
doesn’t need a new coat. Paint the interior walls a neutral color and the ceilings white to make rooms
look bigger.
New lights
Replace outdated fixtures. This inexpensive improvement can update old decor that might have discouraged buyers.
New flooring
Install new carpet, linoleum, or tile, and refurbish hardwood floors if needed. Choose a neutral color for new carpeting. New flooring will increase the market value of your home, while shabby floors can kill a sale.
Planted landscape
Attractive front and back yards boost the value of any property. Mow the lawn, trim shrubs, and plant new bedding flowers. Plant some trees if the yard is barren, especially in the front parkway. Sweep the patio or deck and decorate with potted plants and flowers.
Completed repairs
Before listing your home for sale, make all minor repairs and catch up on maintenance. If you’ve deferred maintenance, get a professional home inspection. If the inspection reveals problems, make the repairs before listing the home. If you don’t, the buyer will probably discount the offer price for more than the cost of repairs or replacement.
A clean garage
If you use your garage for storage, clean it out and rent a storage space. Paint the interior white.. A clean garage will help solidify a buyer’s opinion of your home.
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As your agent, I will do a pre-sale walk-through and provide you with advice and suggestions before we determine when to list the home and for how much we should ask for.
Budget enough time and resources for improvements. Keep it simple so that you can keep it up, especially if it’s likely your home will be on the market for a number of weeks. Use a checklist to keep track of what you need to do.
To get the best possible price for your home, consider the following:
MUST DO
Keep it clean: If nothing else, a clean home is essential and clutter is at a bare minimum.
Freshen a room’s decor: Consider a coat of paint or new floor coverings if a prominent room shows signs of wear or is very outdated, (in that room only).
Make necessary repairs: Make sure outlets work, toilets flush, and windows and doors open and shut smoothly. All heating, air conditioning, and other home systems should work, too.
Increase curb appeal: Make your home look as inviting as possible to the drive-by buyer by tidying up landscaping, plant fresh flowers, and up-keeping lawn, etc.
MIGHT DO
Store your belongings: Put personal belongings into clearly labeled boxes, and store them neatly on-site or in an off-site storage facility.
Refinish wood floors: You may want to pull up the rug and refinish the wood floors under old carpeting in one room to show buyers the quality of the floors.
Do extra maintenance: Consider re-staining your deck or cleaning your gutters. Such projects give your property a well-cared-for appearance.
Intensify your entryway: Paint your front door and put on new hardware, or replace it altogether if it is old. Buy a new welcome mat.
DON'T BOTHER DOING
Install shelves or closet organizers: Don’t invest unless your agent feels it will they will significantly improve its marketability
Paint and carpet entire house: Unless it’s absolutely necessary, it is too big a project that may not result in a significantly higher price.
Make major improvements: Now is not the time to put on a deck or build a fence. While these projects can add value, you are not likely to boost your home’s value enough to justify the expense
Put in a new driveway or sidewalk: Unless these items are crumbling and will significantly lower your curb appeal, this is a major investment that probably won’t pay off.