The Real Estate Browser Volume 10, Issue 6 | Page 42

42 — Say you saw it in The Real Estate Browser of Lynchburg — Volume 10 Number 6
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what to do to start prepping for a relatively
imminent sale. about now, so you won’t run into any nasty
surprises when selling time rolls around.
1. Reno the kitchen or bathroom “It is always less expensive to repair items
before you get into negotiations with a buyer,”
Dawson points out.
This can be subjective, but you’re probably
safe doing an overhaul in this time frame if
you are hoping to get some personal enjoy-
ment out of your updates. Miguélez suggests,
however, that you pick your decor carefully
to avoid being stuck with an upgrade that’s
already dated.
“A ‘trend’ is something that’s predicted to
last roughly 10 years, so your safest best is
to find a look that’s been on the upswing for
roughly two to three years,” Miguélez explains.
“That means it will look relevant for a while,
rather than something that is already five years
old and potentially nearing its expiration date.”
Dawson recommends seeking the opinion
of a local real estate agent, who can steer you
to cost-effective updates that will increase the
value of your home without over-improving it.
And, she says, beware of DIY.
“If you don’t have extensive prior expe-
rience, hiring a professional is going to be
cheaper in the long run, because the DIY look
is unappealing to your potential buyer.”
2. Get to organizing
This is also a good time to start cleaning
out storage areas, closets, cabinets, the garage,
the attic—anyplace you have an accumula-
tion of stuff, Dawson says. Your future self will
thank you for getting this time-consuming
project out of the way now.
3. Have a home inspection
Very few sellers do this, but it’s smart to
have your home professionally inspected right
1 year or less
It’s crunch time, and now is the time to
attend to all the high-traffic areas, as well as
make improvements that will freshen up your
listing.
1. Redo flooring
Pets and kids can scratch up your floors
quickly, so wait as long as you can before refin-
ishing floors. Replace carpet, too, if it’s dingy,
and especially if it has pet odors.
2. Roll on a fresh coat of paint
Walls get dinged up constantly, so painting
right before putting your house on the market
can really make it sparkle. It’s also a quick job
that you can get done in a week or two.
3. Replace all your accessory items
These are things like bedding, throw pil-
lows, chair cushions, patio furniture, shower
curtains, plumbing fixtures, cabinet pulls—all
the embellishments that provide the “lip-
stick” for the foundational elements. Shop
those sales and switch out everything you can,
Dawson recommends.
“You want the house to shine like a new
penny, not appear to be well-loved,” she says.
Looking to sell your home? Claim your
home and get info on your home’s value.
Cathie Ericson is a journalist who writes
about real estate, finance, and health. She lives
in Portland, OR.