It’s one of the biggest burning questions for those getting ready to put their property on the market. When it comes to tossing up whether or not to renovate, the number one thing to keep in mind is to remove as many of the negatives and barriers as possible. It doesn’t need to be a stressful process - getting your house ready for sale doesn’t necessarily mean spending hundreds of thousands of dollars or getting a whole new roof. It can be as simple as making small changes to ensure you get the best return on your investment.
We will never tell you what to do if you’re considering making renovations, we can only offer advice so you are able to make your own informed decisions and do what works best for you. Every home owner is different and while one person could be in a position to make changes to their property, another may simply just not have the means to do so. However, it is our job to equip you with the knowledge in case you do want to carry out those renovations and we’re here to help.
What You Could Renovate
A common renovation project sellers may consider when getting ready to sell their home renovation project could be the spouting if it’s leaking, or if your property has rotting foundations. Leaking spouting is incredibly common in Southland due to our climate. Rain can blow at a certain angle and cause damage to the exterior of a property, which could end up affecting the inside of the home. Prospective buyers are likely to notice these details and it could have an impact on their decision, so it might be worth looking into getting them fixed. At the same time, your buyer could be a skilled tradesperson and be willing to make the changes themselves. So it really does depend on the situation and what the seller is able to commit to financially.
Another possible consideration is the carpet. If your carpet is worn out, there’s a few obvious stains here and there, or it’s just that the style is tired, it could be worth pulling it up and laying down something fresher. Having new carpet can lift the value of the property quite significantly in some cases. On the other hand, some sellers could be worried that if they do so, it won’t match the furniture the new owners plan to put on top of it. So again, it really depends. Real estate agents can make renovations suggestions for spaces like the bathroom or kitchen, based on what past experience has shown them, but the decision is ultimately yours.
Make the Little Changes
Renovating doesn’t always look like getting tradespeople to take on big jobs, there’s actually a whole host of things you can do yourself to make the best return on your investment. We’ve talked about the importance of decluttering before, and it’s no different in this case. Getting rid of excess furniture and trying a “less is best” approach can really help brighten up a space and make it appear larger. When there’s too much in a room, buyers can struggle to appreciate its size.
If you’re thinking your furniture might be looking a little old or mismatched, getting your home staged is a great way to make low-cost, less stressful “renovations”. There are plenty of talented Southland-based stagers who are available to take the load off you and up the appeal of your home when it’s time for open homes. A fresh lick of paint, wiping down the walls and some fresh linen won’t go amiss either - get creative with the small adjustments.
Key Considerations
While renovating can benefit the outcome of your return on investment, it’s not uncommon for successful buyers to change their minds from when they first buy a home. They could be adamant they want to renovate the bathroom, but after a few months living at the property, they are happy with the way it is. Agents can paint a picture of what potential buyers could do to the home if they were wanting to make changes, but at the end of the day, the house has to sell itself. As long as you focus on removing any of the negatives or barriers, you’ll be on the right track to a successful sale.
Want to know more? Contact one of our friendly team members today for additional information and advice.