Improving The Chances Of Selling Your Home

Photo Courtesy: Pintrest

May 18, 2016 (Gephardt Daily) – It is time to get your home ready for the hot seller’s market and that means making a few improvements to boost the price and quicken the pace of a sale.

So, what are the priorities? Gephardt Daily spoke with a longtime realtor to get that question answered.

Margaret Mahlherbe has been helping Utah residents sell their homes for over three decades. But her advice on what to improve before putting up the “For Sale” sign hasn’t changed much over time.

Mahlherbe says start with your roof. She says, “If it is more than 10 years old, it may need some help.”

The type of roofing material you use matters. According to Homewyse, which provides average costs for home improvement projects, the cost per 100 square feet for an asphalt roof is about $120. It jumps up to $300 to $500 per 100 square feet for a tile or shingle roof and $800 to $1,000 per 100 square feet for a slate roof.

Next, Mahlherbe suggests updates to bathrooms and kitchens depending on the age of the home and condition of these rooms.

In fact, “The look and condition of a kitchen is more important to potential buyers than the baths,” according to Chrisanne Greer-Sueltz who will take her real estate licensing test later this month.

In the kitchen, Mahlherbe says some “counter tops and appliances,” might need to be replaced and/or updated but cost matters. A complete kitchen redo can run over $20,000 and then you won’t be living in the home. So, a downsized project might work just as well.

According to Homeadvisor, a small kitchen remodel project will cost a homeowner between $10,000 and $15,000 including new paint on the walls, refacing cabinets, upgrading the sink, and installing a tile backsplash.

The expense of any improvements needs to be balanced out with the price you hope to and are advised you might receive for your home. If you’re on a tight budget, Greer-Sueltz thinks “fresh paint in neutral colors throughout the house,” will impress potential buyers.

Remember, time is of the essence this spring. Mahlherbe says “It is a sellers’ market,” but making the sale requires thoughtful preparation to show your home’s best face.

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