Lou's Store and More

Top 5 ways to Raise Your Home Value Now
( Appeared in Consumer Reports March 2015)

This is an old issue but is still very true today.  That?s why I am sharing this information with my family and friends.  If you are THINKING OF SELLING, try these suggestions to MAXIMIZE the value of your property.

1.     CLEAN UP, CLEAR OUT
Sometimes, hard to do because of attachment.  If this is the case, hire an AUCTIONEER and let them go through your ?toys or collections? and get some money out of it or HIRE PROFESSIONAL CLEANERS and donate proceeds to Charity.  Either way, you are clearing out without the agony of having to decide if DIY (Do It Yourself) is not your thing.

SMELL TEST.  Dirt, smell, and clutter are list of COSTLIEST HOME-SELLING MISTAKES.

2.     SPRUCE UP THE KITCHEN
The kitchen more than any other room sells the home.  It does not mean you should drop tens of thousands of dollars on a new one before selling.  Make all MINOR REPAIRS that can lead to serious SECOND THOUGHTS for buyers, such as:  *FIX LEAKY FAUCETS, *TIGHTEN LOOSE FIXTURES,  *FIX CABINET DOOR HINGES. 
If possible, update counter and faucet and appliances.  This will give you a good return on your investment.

3.     FRESHEN UP THE BATH
Buyers want to see that the home is well maintained and clean especially the bathrooms.  Simple improvements like:  CAULKING THE TUB or REGROUTING the tile floor will go a long way in the mind of the buyer.  If needed, UPDATE, FAUCET, TOWEL BARS, LIGHTING FIXTURE, MIRRORS, and vanity countertop to create a strong appeal.

4.     PAINT THE ROOMS  - SELECTIVELY
A fresh paint is the quickest way to transform a room, but it does not make sense to paint the entire house if it still looks good.  Cleaning up the door jambs and switches with water and detergent will help do a lot.  Repaint if walls are obviously scuffed and showing wear and tear.  Stick to the neutral colors on the lighter side such as:  WHITES, OFF WHITE, CREAM, LIGHT GREY, etc.  LIGHT Colors tend to make the room bigger while dark colors will make it look smaller.

5.     ENHANCE THE EXTERIOR
You probably would not go out on a date without brushing your hair and putting on a crisp, clean outfit.  The same goes with the house.  Make sure the DOOR is attractive and dust and cobweb free.  If needed, repaint it.  UPDATED HARDWARE: any chip or cracked tile work, door hardware, doorbell, mailbox, light fixture, and sprinkler should be working or fixed.  Remove dead plants, if any, and spruce up the landscape.  Water regularly to maintain the look until the property is sold.

6.     ROOF REPAIRS
Roof is one of the most important parts of the home to have in good shape.  The implication to buyers is enormous.

WITH NINE out of 10 BUYERS go online to preview their selection, MAKE SURE you create that ?WEB APPEAL? by creating beautiful photos that are appealing and professionally done.  UNLESS you capture them while browsing, YOU WON?T FIND the buyers KNOCKING ON YOUR DOOR.  The more eyeballs you capture, the better is the your chance of selling at the best price possible.

Let me know if this article is helpful.  Need help or have questions? contact me below.  Thank you for sharing.
Lou Trerotola,  BRE  00972527 * Realty One Group, The Paparazze Realtor and YOGA Instructor
Mobile/Text 310-408-9249  * LouTrerotola@yahoo.com   * Lou-StoreAndMore.com