| Increasing the value of homes for sale can increase | | | | maintenance that has been postponed whether it can |
| the asking price. Though realtors suggest | | | | be seen or not and especially any structural damage. |
| improvements that can be made to increase home | | | | Here are items that need to be checked for needed |
| values, there are many things that can be done by | | | | maintenance, repair or replacement: |
| owners in advance of listing their California homes for | | | | Items that generally need replacing or repaired after |
| sale. | | | | ten years of use are dishwashers, disposals, washer |
| Many owners of homes for sale make the mistake | | | | dryers, and built in microwaves. Also look at fiberglass |
| of doing costly but unnecessary upgrades, making | | | | tubs and showers, laminate countertops, water |
| the wrong improvements, or trying to do too much. | | | | heaters, carpeting, wooden decks, and asphalt |
| Costly upgrade costs are seldom recouped, and | | | | driveways. |
| many types of improvements add no additional value | | | | Items that usually need replacing or repaired between |
| to the homes. | | | | 15 and 20 years are central air conditioning, all types |
| Trying to do too many improvements is the biggest | | | | of heating units, ranges, ovens, kitchen cabinets, and |
| mistake made by owners of homes for sale. The | | | | all types of fixtures, including water faucets and |
| objective is to do a few strategic and important | | | | lighting. |
| projects really well with quality materials and | | | | Items to look at that are 20 or more years old are |
| workmanship. Doing many projects using mediocre | | | | sinks, granite countertops, and concrete, stone or |
| materials, nonprofessional labor, and/or doing them | | | | brick walls and patios.o As to siding on the homes for |
| only halfway can, in the end, decrease the value of | | | | sale, stucco or wood siding give the most value. Brick |
| the homes for sale. | | | | gives absolutely no value, and vinyl siding actually |
| Lets look at some improvements that will add value | | | | takes away from the asking price.o The features |
| to homes for sale: | | | | that add the most value to homes for sale are an |
| Yardso Many owners think first of their back yard, | | | | extra full bathroom, half baths, fireplaces (two are |
| since they have spent so many hours there | | | | better than one), and a garage for two or more |
| compared to the front. The front yard, however, | | | | vehicles.o The next added-value features for homes |
| takes precedence over the back for homes for sale | | | | for sale are double oven, den or study, kitchen island, |
| if sellers cannot get potential buyers through the | | | | pantry, utility room, extra bedroom, cathedral ceilings, |
| front doors, then the back yards do not matter!o | | | | skylights, decks and an elevator. |
| Overall, patios add the most value to homes for sale; | | | | Before deciding on any improvement projects, |
| irrigation and then landscaping follow as value-added | | | | owners should do a buyer evaluation, beginning by |
| improvements.o Many owners overplant, assuming | | | | standing on the street in front of their homes for |
| elaborate landscaping will bring a higher selling price. | | | | sale. Using a notepad, they will write down their first |
| Chaotic landscapes, however, do not impact potential | | | | impressions of the lawn and buildings. They must be |
| buyers as much as lots of attractive lawn space. The | | | | objective, as if they are looking at their homes for |
| new owners will add more landscaping if that is what | | | | the first time as potential buyers. They should walk |
| they prefer; so, sellers should keep such planting to | | | | through their entire property, making notes of their |
| one area versus many.o A little lighting goes a long | | | | impressions. If owners have a difficult time separating |
| way, so owners should use it sparingly and spend | | | | themselves from the memories that are tied to the |
| their money for other improvements.o If pavements | | | | homes for sale, then they should ask a friend do this |
| are added or replaced, owners should focus on areas | | | | for them. They can even contact a realtor and ask |
| where people gather or frequently walk and not over | | | | him/her to evaluate the property for value-added |
| do the paving for walkways and pool areas. | | | | improvements, with the promise or signed contract |
| Buildings Home, Garages and Any Additional Buildingso | | | | of listing the homes for sale with the realtor later. |
| Cosmetic improvements add the most value. Painting | | | | The time to evaluate homes for sale is at the first |
| and replacing carpet, however, give the best | | | | decision to sell them, giving time to make |
| payback. Fixtures are next for increasing the value | | | | improvements that may substantially increase your |
| for homes for sale.o This is the time to do any | | | | selling price. |