How can I fix my house to sell at a higher price?

Question

We bought the house 3 years ago. When we bought it, it was a total flip. Everything is brand new. New furnace, new windows, new roof, new siding,and new kitchen. The carpets were brand new when we moved in, but with 2 kids and a brand new puppy, well you can imagine the carpets now. My husband and I are thinking of putting in hardwood floors, re-doing the front porch and all the good things like that. We want it to be inexpensive because we are looking into purchasing a bigger house. I was just curious to see what the general public thought!

Thanks

Answer 1

This is the job that a good realtor can do. They can advise you what is cost-effective and what shoppers in your region consider attractive.

Answer 2

I have 3 kids, 2 dogs and a number of other pets, my carpets still look new after 7 years, so no, I can not imagine why the carpet would only last 3 years.

Hardwood flooring will be expensive, not a good idea for you.   New carpet is cheaper.

Everything is still rather new, you should not need to do much.

New light fixtures if those are dated.   If the bathrooms were not remodeled those always are a good idea.

Fresh stain on the porch looks good and is cheap.

If your kids were hard on the floor I would think you need fresh paint too.

Answer 3

Values are bad right now, any money you put in probably won't come back to you when you sell it.  I'd suggest offering a credit at closing for the new owners to do what they want with the items you think are a bit tattered or in need of replacement.

Answer 4

best thing to do right now is dont put a bunch of money into it, cuz u wont get it back. but try to make it look appealing to the consumer. no pics of u, white walls, clean yard. things like that. let them imagine living in your house.  

Answer 5

it is a down market. buyer is king. each day the payments are due.

Answer 6

If you are looking to sell in the next year, you need a realistic idea of what your house is current worth and it potential after the investment, not just what some agents gut feeling on what the house could sell for

First and most important, what have the homes sold for in your area, not listing they mean nothing in this market, what are the actual home sale numbers, then go from there

But remember if you plan to sell in the next year, currently in 2008, this is one of the worst housing markets in decade, With the current inventory levels and more house expected to go into foreclosure the trend will continue downward for home prices, its simple supply and demand, therefore for you to get the most bang for the buck in the sale, you will need for at least prices to stabilize, when will this occur? Early 2009? Probably not, then summer 2009? Hard to say, also do not forget the market of buyers has shrunk dramatically based upon the new requirements to qualify for a home