Whether you are sprucing up your home as a spring cleaning ritual, or preparing your home for sale, there are some tried and true tips to help you gain the most from your efforts. In fact, some of the most important fix-up projects a homeowner can perform may be accomplished on little more than elbow-grease, and they can help speed the sale of your home.
A thorough cleaning, a fresh coat of paint, and yard grooming are the ABC's of preparing for a sale. First impressions are important and a neat, clean look gives a good first impression to buyers. Some additional ideas which you may want to consider:
If you are prepared to invest some money to improve your home's presentation, start with the most cost-effective projects and remember to keep a journal of jobs and receipts. Home improvement costs are often deductible (when costs are incurred 90 days before the sale and paid within 30 days after the sale). While lawn-mowing and weekly cleaning bills do not qualify according to IRS regulations, new paint, a new water heater, or new gutters usually do apply. Some hints:
You may want to reconsider more ambitious jobs, however, if you are thinking of selling the home any time soon. While bathroom and kitchen up-grades generally help appreciation, not all home additions will add value to the property - other than that value which you personally enjoy. Not everyone wants a swimming pool that could be a safety hazard for young children, or an island kitchen design that restricts kitchen traffic flow. A new deck may recoup its installment costs, but new kitchen cabinets come in a variety of designs and styles that the buyer should choose. Talk to your Realtor about the improvements most appropriate in current market conditions and you will do your share to speed the sale of your home. |