Preparing a House For Sale

by Tom

Street View Gives 1st Impressions - Presto!

In the last five years we have added a new roof, new furnace, and a fresh coat of paint to the exterior of our home. The rest of the house has not had a makeover in over 20 years and the windows could stand replacing.

We are torn between putting more money into the house before selling or selling it as is. What would you advise? Would we even recoup the money we'd need to spend to get the house updated when we sold it?

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Hi Tom,
there a probably some further details which would have assisted me to reply as best I can.

However there are also other variables which can make it difficult to give you a definitive answer also. Based on the information provided, and not knowing your financial position, my response would be to possibly refresh the inside slightly and economically, perhaps internal painting of the walls and doors (if needed), change worn or dated floor covers perhaps, possibly some new curtains in the main living area and main bedroom - this would be my reply if you are on a tight budget, given that presentation assists in the outlook buyers will see on the inside.

As for the outside - 1st Impressions from the street will provide a feeling for home buyers. If the window frames are able to be repainted, this will assist on first approach "don't forget to polish the glass" Keep the garden well trimmed and neat, remove any dead foliage from shrubs and trees, prune plants where necessary, grease/oil removed off drives, high pressure spray pavers/cement and brush down and wash the outside house walls from webs and dust: Presto!!

I feel this will probably provide the best financial outcome - save the difference and place the money for where you want to be.

Love to hear your outcome and we can share it with other visitors to your question. Good luck!

Best Wishes

Carmen, Your Sell My Home Advisor


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