Maybe you’ve owned your home for decades or bought a fixer-upper intending to flip it. Regardless of your circumstances, if you’re planning on selling an old house, there are a few things you can do to increase its value. You want to get top dollar for your home, and with some elbow grease, you can make that happen. With a little effort, you can make some serious profits when you sell. Here’s what you need to know.
1. Make sure the foundation is in good condition.
If potential buyers see that the foundation is cracked or otherwise damaged, they’ll be immediately turned off. They’ll be concerned about additional costs down the road and will be less likely to put in a high offer. Before putting your home on the market, get the foundation repaired by a professional. This is one area where it pays to spend a bit extra money upfront.
If there is extensive damage, you should work with professional real estate developers with the experience and connections to help you. These experts will know how to assess the damage and make the necessary repairs. Always get a professional opinion before making any decisions about repairs.
2. Get rid of any clutter.
One of the biggest turnoffs for buyers is feeling like they won’t have enough storage space in a home. If your home is full of knick-knacks and other clutter, it is time to get rid of it. Rent a storage unit if necessary, but ensure that closets, cabinets, and other storage areas are as empty as possible when potential buyers come to look. This will make the space seem larger and more inviting.
You can also use this opportunity to declutter your life and eliminate things you no longer need or use. This can be a great way to reduce stress and make moving easier. If you’re not sure what to keep and what to get rid of, ask a professional organizer for help. They will be able to give you expert advice on what to keep and what to let go of.
3. Update old fixtures and appliances.
Even if everything in your home is technically still functional, outdated fixtures and appliances will make it feel dated. If relevant to your home’s style, consider updating light fixtures, door hardware, and appliances before putting your house on the market. This is another area where potential buyers will be willing to pay more for a home that doesn’t require them to start making repairs or replacements immediately.
You can make some of these updates easily and inexpensively. Others, such as replacing appliances, may require a more significant investment. But even if you have to spend a bit of money upfront, you’re likely to see a return on your investment when you sell. Try to focus on updates that appeal to the most significant number of potential buyers.
4. Consider a fresh coat of paint—or even better, new siding altogether.
The outside of your home makes a first impression on potential buyers, so you want it to look as good as possible. If your home’s exterior paint is chipped or faded, consider giving it a fresh coat—or, better yet, update the siding altogether. This will modernize the look of your property and make it more appealing to buyers looking for move-in-ready homes.
You can also take this opportunity to add curb appeal by planting flowers or shrubs, pressure washing the walkways, and generally sprucing up the outside of your home. These small changes can significantly affect how potential buyers perceive your property. Always try to make your home look better than before, even if that means going above and beyond what’s strictly necessary.
5. Stage the inside of your home before showings begin.
Once you’ve taken care of any necessary repairs and updates, it’s time to start thinking about staging your home before potential buyers come to take a look around. Work with a professional stager if possible; they’ll have experience making homes look their best for showings and open houses. Even if you’re staging on a budget, you can do some simple things to dress up each room and make it more appealing to buyers—like adding fresh flowers or scented candles or rearranging furniture to create more open space.
Try to see your home from a buyer’s perspective and make any changes to help them see its potential. Remember, you’re not just selling a house—you’re selling a lifestyle. If you can make your home look inviting and appealing, you’ll be more likely to find a buyer willing to pay top dollar.
Remember, first impressions matter—especially when selling an old house. By following these tips, you can increase the value of your property and make a good profit in the process. With just a little bit of work, you can have your old house feeling like new again —and scoring top dollar from buyers.
