Did you know that there is a heated debate occurring within the real estate world right now? Some people thrive upon renovation, but others will warn you to stick with the bare minimum.
While a lot of people have suddenly decided that renovating an entire home is the only way to go, others have found that modern renovations can really detract from a home’s overall worth. It’s true, many renovations will automatically push some potential buyers away, but if you do not fix up those things that are eye sores, you may be sending buyers away as well. So, what should you do when it comes to preparing your home for sale?
First, let’s point out the obvious – if your shutters are hanging by their last nail, and your roof is completely bald, you will need to renovate. There are some repairs that are just necessary, so take a careful tour around your property (inside and out), and note those things that would immediately send buyers away. However, when it comes to the inside of your home, modern is definitely not always better.
So many beautiful, historic, homes have been ruined by contemporary walls and built in wall units. Before you decide to renovate, understand the true value of your home. If you plan to market your home as some sort of historic landmark, do not attempt to modernize the interior in any way. Also, if you can afford to do so, try and replace your home’s hardware (door handles, window frames) with hardware from the time period in which the home was built. By following the true nature of your home, you will certainly attract a niche market, and this can be extremely profitable. Then again, not everyone can afford to completely remodel, but there are still some things that you can do to improve your home.
One of the simplest things that you can do in order to enhance your home is to wash the outside of your house. You will be surprised at the difference a good wash makes, and your home will suddenly stand out to those passing by. Also, if you have a very old front door, apply a quick coat of varnish or paint, and watch your home’s exterior transform. Lastly, make sure to wash your windows and clean your window screens, a home that has dirty windows will take on a dull appearance.
For now, the debate continues, but you will have to decide whether or not to fix up your home when it comes time for you to sell. Chances are, there are some areas of your home that need a bit of touching up, but renovating that great old farmhouse may not be such a great idea after all.
Raynor James writes about real estate issues for FSBOAmerica.org where you can view or list
homes for sale by owner.
