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As we're in this process of selling our house, I've been binge-watching some shows on HGTV (I'm calling it research!).
Sell Your Home Faster with Renovations and Upgrades
In case you haven't caught it, the show has Drew and Jonathan help homeowners sell their current home by sprucing up the place and buy a new place.
Even if you're not a fan of renovation shows, there are some helpful lessons that you can pick as you get ready to list your house.
Make Your Home Show Worthy
Just slapping on a For Sale sign won't cut it if you two are looking for top dollar.
If you're trying to maximize your sale price, bringing your house closer to move in ready status can be a huge help.
Something as seemingly simple as properly staging your home can make a huge difference. You want to make your place inviting and spacious looking.
It's Not About You, It's About the Buyer
Preparing your place to sell for top dollar often means turning your home back into a house. The charming details that make your place special may scare away buyers.
Depersonalize the space, remove unnecessary items from you home, and clean the place top to bottom.
It Takes Money to Make (More) Money
With every episode of Buying and Selling I've seen, the homeowners are astonished at how low their property would go currently and how much renovations would cost.
Jonathan and Drew have to share their vision on how much more money they can get on the sale if they do these renovations and upgrades.
That said, throwing money on every kind of renovation and possible upgrade is automatically a win.
There are many factors to consider, so it's important to sit down and do some research. If you're using a real estate agent, discuss what improvements will give you the biggest bang for your buck.
Shop Around for Deals
Now that you have a clear idea about what needs to be, it's time to find professionals to help you out.
If you're looking at renovations that require a professional, make sure you take the time to find a quality a reliable contractor.
Don't settle for a friend of a friend who does the work on the side. You don't want to have a shoddy job done (and having to spend more money than planned just to fix the bad work).
Resources like Angie's List and can be incredibly helpful in giving you a pool to consider.
Don't be afraid to call the top ones and have them do an in-home estimate for your project.
Ask them questions – having a skilled professional over is a golden opportunity to learn. Have them break down the process and costs.
Don't just pick the cheapest option either – make sure you're also comfortable working with them. If a contractor is dodgy or ignores your concerns, it's not worth the lower price.
Thoughts on Selling a House
I'd love to get your thoughts and stories on selling your home. Did you do any improvements before selling?
Which renovations or touch-ups worked well? Which ones were wastes of money?
Elle Martinez helps families at Couple Money achieve financial freedom by sharing tips for reducing debt, increase income, and building net worth. Learn how to live on one income and have fun with the second..
