It comes as no surprise that the housing market has been declining. Consequently, it’s more important than ever to prevent a decline in your home’s appraisal value. There are many steps involved in selling your home, and one mistake could cost you a lot of money. Scams and ruses are in the market that would try to rip you off. So it’s imperative to be informed and prepared. Some buyers would run away from a home that doesn’t meet a certain price point or isn’t big enough for a family and a dog. Therefore, you are compelled to undersell and make some compromises, even if they do not appear necessary. So how can you avoid becoming a victim of these dishonest real estate agents? You raise the appraised value of your house, and here are some tips on how!
Make Your Home Shine
Maybe you’ve never cleaned your house before, or you’re unsure where to begin. You’ve come to the right place! With a little effort, you can have an immediate impact on the appraised value of your home. Here are some pieces of advice to get you started.
- Keep your house clean! When you have an untidy home, it reflects poorly on you and your ability to manage your finances. Make an effort to clean up and keep your home tidy, especially if you have children. A messy home may instantly lower your home’s value by as much as 20%.
- Update all your appliances. Old appliances are a huge drain on your home’s energy bills, so it’s worth replacing them as soon as possible. If you’re behind on your bills, it’s also worth looking into Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) to help your home’s value.
- Update electrical outlets. Old electrical outlets are another thing you don’t need in your home. When you invest in updating them, your home’s value will increase.
- Paint your home. Newer houses often sell for a small premium over older homes with similar characteristics, so painting your house can provide an instant boost to its value.
- Install new windows. Windows are a major investment, and they often last 40 to 50 years before needing to be replaced. It’s worth keeping an eye out for cracks and scratches that may indicate they need replacing soon.
Keep Up With The Maintenance
Whether you want to sell your home or preserve its value, take some action that could protect your home from dampness and mold. Regular maintenance such as roofing, plumbing, and gardening, try to do it yourself if you can. Take photos of your home’s maintenance needs as well, as these will help you negotiate a better price with the seller if necessary.
Negotiate Wisely!
Ultimately, the goal is to obtain the best price and the most favorable sale terms for your home, so be sure to consult with your agent in deciding when to accept an offer. Negotiating wisely before selling your house requires careful consideration. It’s important to understand the market, do a little digging on comparable properties, and consider the help of an experienced real estate agent. Looking for the best choice for selling your house? We are willing to assist you every step of the way! Visit Simple House Buyers or contact us for hassle-free and fair cash offers.
