Sometimes it seems like I am always writing... while Susan is out selling homes (hey, somebody's got to bring home the bread, eh?) Anyway, what I'm trying to do is to put down in print as much of the information we've garnered through the years as possible so that our customers can access the info that they feel they need. Much of what I put in print, we offer on our website. Some we provide as hand-outs "as needed" by our customers and/or prospects.
To that end, here is a bit of info regarding getting your home prepared to sell so as to obtain TOP DOLLAR on the transaction. The "secret" to making top dollar isn't really a secret at all-- We've been "revealing" it to our clients fo years. But because it involves a lot of discipline and elbow grease, many people decide to cut corners. And that's when the price you could command begins to drop. Please don't be one of those people.
During our years in real estate, we've seen countless examples where well-considered, well-placed investments of time and a little money have dramatically improved the sales price and increased the speed in which a home has sold.
Our goal for our customers is to show you how even minor home improvements can substantially improve the value and marketability of your home. In today's economy, there are no guarantees that you will recoup what you spend to improve the value of your home - all the more reason it's important to pick the right investments.
But even when you don't recoup all the money you invest to upgrade, many improvements can give you an important edge over other homes on the market. And the failure to make some improvements can leave you at a distinct disadvantage as buyers compare your home with the competition. Believe us, we've seen it happen time and again.
Unless your home is in mint condition or you're selling it as a "fixer-upper," there's probably a long list of repair or remodeling projects to consider. These can range from relatively simple jobs,k such as painting a bathroom, to more complex room-additions or remodeling projects.
When considering any home improvement project, you need to ask yourself a couple of questions: Why are you doing it? Is it work that really needs to be done such as a paint job or replacing a leaky roof? Or is it an amenity you'd like that you think might appeal to a potential buyer - a hot tub or home office addition, for example. Will it add value to your home, or have no impact at all? Or will it actually make your home more difficult to sell?
Some investments, like painting and yard work, involve relatively little cash outlay and yet return many times your cost. Other improvements that you think add value have no significant impact. Adding a swimming pool is a good example. Besides the hassles of maintenance, a pool may actually reduce your home's appeal among families with small children because of safety concerns. The bottom line is to spend time thinking about it before you spend a dime doing it. Your real estate agent should be able to help guide you in your decisions. Don't hesitate to ask for their input - it's part of what we do!
Timothy H. Fennell, P.A.
Susan A. Fennell, P.A.
Broker Associates / REALTORS
www.BestHomesInJacksonville.com
