More than TEN things you can do to maximize the value of your property
1) Focus on warm & inviting like a home – with color & workmanship & not like a room for “interviewing” with the Sopranos - with a light, a card table & a chair.
2) Change out all light switches and outlets and covers
3) Update lighting throughout
4) Paint the property throughout, pay attention to detail - make it warm & inviting.
5) Update the carpeting, wood laminate and vinyl to be congruent with everything else
6) Update the kitchen counters, appliances & sink
7) Replace tub/shower surrounds in the bathrooms - put a new countertop & vanity
8) Replace the windows with clean, clear, energy efficient, heat saving ones
9) Replace the doors throughout with solid 6 panel ones to match the color scheme
10) Make sure there are no leaks in the roof and plumbing. Service the heating system
11) Mow the lawn, mend fences, do some minimal landscaping – give it curb appeal
12) Scour – obsessively - the property inside and out and eliminate clutter everywhere
13) Make sure you absolutely do your research into the quality workmanship & costs
14) Do work yourself only if you have superb workmanship skills or people won’t like it
15) Take plenty of pictures when the work is completed & put them in your advertising
The property in this picture was of a duplex I owned. I spent about $16,000 doing the things on this list and sold it 2 years after I bought it (for tax purposes) for over $80,000 more than I paid for it. This was triple the cost of my improvements - even after the market driven increase in value had been accounted for.
Doing these simple and relatively inexpensive things will have a huge impact on not only the curb appeal, but on the perceived value of your property. While you cannot change the location, you can add value to where the location isn’t as important. And that in real estate, it’s always a Beauty Contest and a Talent Show when you’re trying to maximize the value of your property.
Ken Jelinek has been licensed in the State of Alaska since 1994 and has been with REMAX since 1997. He is uniquely qualified for and focuses primarily on First Time Home Sellers - but is equally enthusiastic in helping First Time Home Buyers. Click here for current info: http://www.OneGoodRealtor.com.
