You’re about to put the home on the market. The lawn has been decluttered, the rooms are neat and tidy, but you’ve noticed a few blemishes and you’re beginning to wonder… has enough been done to get the place to the closing table?
Every South Florida home-seller expects to profit from the sale of their home. However, to get the most out of the market, you need a lot of eyes on the property and you want multiple offers. Sometimes this means spending a little time and money up front to maximize a greater return at closing.
We’re not talking about major remodeling, here. Many times, a slight cosmetic changes can make all the difference between selling for top dollar and sitting on the market for months on end. When you do get a showing, you want to provide your potential buyer with an inviting, picture-perfect vision of living there, not counting the money they’ll have to spend on updates before they move in.
But what areas do you focus on? And what improvements will give you the biggest bang for your buck? Here are a few tips.
Ramp Up the Home’s Curb Appeal
The first thing potential buyers see is the outside of your home. Make sure the lawn stays mowed and that any fencing or railings are in good repair. Replace broken window screens and clean the windows. A fresh coat of paint can help seal the deal, and getting the siding pressure-washed is almost always good idea in South Florida, as well, along with the driveway, deck and walking paths.
Fast Forward Roof Repairs
While roofing is a big expense that potential homebuyers are sure to shy away from if the roof is leaking or in obvious need of repair, South Florida’s tropical winds and storms can play havoc on roof shingles and panels. Call an expert to make sure that all the shingles are intact. Make sure all gutters and downspouts are clean and in good condition. If you need a new roof, bite the bullet and get it done. Your home will spend less time on the market and you’re more likely to get your full asking price.
Unsightly Flooring
New or updated flooring can be a major selling point for potential buyers. Over time carpeting becomes heavily trafficked and threadbare, and flooring gets scuffed and scratched by furniture and foot traffic. Professional carpet cleaning and/or tile grout cleaning is a must-do. New carpet, tile, or plank wood style floors can be very enticing. If you’re in the high-end market, installing hardwood floors or porcelain tile can be one of the best renovations you can make.
The Kitchen
The kitchen is a major selling point for potential homebuyers as well as the one room of the house that’s most likely due for an update. When a homeowners doesn’t have the time or budget to do a full kitchen remodeling job, here are some smaller, inexpensive updates.
Repainting cabinets and replacing the hardware can make an outdated look fresh and modern. Be sure to repair any cabinet doors or drawers that don’t open or close smoothly. Replace the kitchen sink faucet and any appliances that have seen better days. If it needs it, a new countertop can go a very long way toward getting potential buyers excited.
The Bathroom
Bathrooms are probably the second most important selling point inside a home, especially the master bath. But you don’t have to tear it all out and start over. Here again, new hardware can update a look. Make sure everything is clean and spotless, give it a fresh coat of paint if needed, and that everything is in good repair and there are no leaks. Check the walls, tile, and grout to see if they need cleaning or repairs.
Showcase Lighting
The right lighting can make a home feel more spacious and modern. The wrong lighting can make a space feel drab and claustrophobic. Replace burned-out bulbs or switch out bulbs with higher wattage bulbs to brighten up the space, and an inexpensive wall sconse or ceiling lampshade can soften a glaring bare bulb.
A home with even slight cosmetic issues can have a subconscious effect on potential your South Florida homebuyers and scare them off. With your objective viewpoint and some thoughtful considerations, a few fast fix-ups can draw more people in, and ensure you walk away from the closing table, satisfied.
Contact Florida Bar Board-Certified Attorneys David E. Klein, Esq. and Guy Rabideau at Rabideauklein.com. They have the expertise and experience you need to ensure that your interests are protected throughout your real estate transactions across the Palm Beaches and throughout Florida. Contact Rabideau Klein today to discuss the legal implications of your Florida property sales.