Home Improvements Necessary To Prepare Your House To Sell
My husband and I are getting ready to put our house on the market and, I swear, we could write a book about this subject. What is absolutely vital in the way of home improvements, and what can be left to the buyer? More to the point, what home improvements are going to result in getting a higher price for your house and what home improvements will just be money down the drain?
Lots of questions there. Here are some answers. One of the biggest no-no's when trying to sell your house is: water in the basement. The other absolute no-no is mold. These two issues often go hand in hand, so I will address them together.
If you now have, or have had in the past, water issues in your basement, they must be corrected. Standing water and constant wetness is a breeding ground for mold. It especially likes your carpet padding and that moldy smell builds and is a dead giveaway to any potential buyer. It must be noted on your disclosure form. This is a legal protection not only to the buyer, but to you the seller as well.
You need someone certified in mold removal to advise you. The moldy areas must be removed, including any drywall and carpetingn. The mold needs to be washed down with a special cleaner, although often a bleach/water mixture will do the trick. But to prevent its growing back, the area (wood framework and studs, etc.) needs to be covered with a special varnish. Mold cannot grow through varnish. Then, an ionizing air purifier or filter will help to get rid of any remaining odor.
Water if often the result of erosion around the home's foundation and overfilled gutters that create pools of water which drain into the foundation areas. Simple solution? Clean the gutters regularly and use a power washer on them. Also do some grading and landscaping to prevent water from continuing to pool around your foundation. French drains may also help. Much of this can be done on your own if you're not afraid of a little elbow grease.
Home improvements that increase the value of your home would be an upgraded bathroom or an additional bathroom. Kitchen improvements may increase the home's value, but there is no need to go out and buy the best of the best appliances. That will likely not see a notable increase in value. The home should be aesthetically pleasing, freshly painted and uncluttered.
Unless your floors have major flaws, it is not necessary to invest in new flooring. It does, however, make for a newer and more attractive presentation. Something like flooring is a judgment call, as are replacing counters and other such major expenditures. Curb appeal also is an eye-catching improvement that may help put your house into the hands of a new owner.
In summary, if your house has been well-maintained, a fresh, uncluttered look and fresh paint will go a long way in moving it into new hands and your move out.
