As the market slows, more homes will linger on the market and
buyers will have more choices. It has never been more imperative that sellers
take extra care to make their house as appealing as possible to buyers.
How much should you spend?
In preparing your home for the market, you want to get the biggest
bang for your buck possible. Buyers might be impressed by a much-needed new
roof, but they won’t even notice it if the front yard is hopelessly
overgrown and a shutter is hanging askew, and they aren’t going to pay
a higher price simply because your house has a new roof. “Polishes” and “touch
ups” are what you want, not extensive and costly renovations. As experienced
real estate agents, we understand buyer expectations in the Orlando vacation
home market, and can advise you specifically on which improvements need to be made,
plus which improvements will get you the highest return on your investment.
We can also recommend the best professionals to help you getthose improvements done.
Maximizing your house’s exterior and curb appeal
As the old adage goes, “you never get a second chance
to make a first impression.” Nowhere is this more true than with vacation
home sales. Strong curb appeal can go a long way toward making up for other
shortcomings. And don’t forget the backyard, too. A well-manicured front
yard and a neglected back yard will make buyers wonder where else you are cutting
corners. To enhance your house’s exterior and curb appeal, have your
management company check the following and repair as necessary:
Have lawn edged, cut short and watered, and insure your management company has this done on a weekly basis while the house is on the market
The same goes for trimming the hedges, weeding the lawn, weeding the flowerbeds and pruning the trees – in front of the house AND behind
Have your
management company check the foundation, steps, walkways, walls and
patios for cracks and crumbling
Have your management company inspect doors and
windows for peeling paint
Have your management company clean and align gutters.
Have your management
company repair and replace loose or damaged roof shingles.
Have your management
company Repair and repaint loose siding and caulking.
Have your management
company apply a fresh coat of paint to the front door and new hardware,
if necessary.
Maximizing your house’s interior
Now that you have made a favorable impression on potential
buyers with your beautiful curb appeal, don’t disappoint with the interior.
A few simple “touches” and “polishes” will again translate
into favorable impressions and higher offers. To enhance your house’s
interior, have your management company check the following and make changes
as indicated:
Have your management company thoroughly clean every room in every nook
and cranny, and remove all clutter.
Have your management company mend cracks,
leaks and signs of dampness in the attic and garage.
Have your management
company repair cracks, holes or damage to plaster, wallboard, wallpaper,
paint and tiles
Consider painting dingy, soiled or strongly colored walls with
a neutral shade of paint, such as beige or off-white. Paint the ceiling and
trim
white for
a sharp and clean contrast. Neutral colors make rooms appear larger.
The same strategy should be applied to floor coverings that you replace.
Have
your management company replace broken or cracked windowpanes, moldings and
other woodwork.
Have your management company inspect and repair your plumbing,
heating, cooling and alarm systems.
Have your management company repair dripping
faucets and showerheads.
Have your management company buy and display showy,
new towels in the bathroom(s) and kitchen
If your kitchen needs major updating,
have your management company give it a lift with new cabinet hardware, new
curtains and/or
a coat of neutral
paint.
Need more tips on getting your home ready for sale?
