Like many homeowners, you might be hoping to capitalize on the hot summer homebuying season to sell your house for a pretty penny. Who knows, maybe you’ll even make enough for the beach house you’ve been eyeing or for a long summer getaway.

But first, you’ll need to get your home ready to sell. And getting a home inspection may be one of the best ways to do that.
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Inspections can shed light on potential issues and help you make necessary repairs before listing your home. It might even help you fetch a higher asking price if the inspection shows that your home is in better condition than others in the area. 

All in all, an inspection can:

1. Alert You to Issues Before Going Under Contract
A home inspection can highlight issues that might concern potential buyers. 

Pro tip: You should fix any issues that pose a safety hazard. And your inspection report can serve as a repair guide before listing.

2. Gauge Your Pricing Expectations
Inspections help you get a handle on what condition your home is in and what price it might fetch. 

Pro tip: A clean inspection report, or proof of recent repairs, can help buyers feel more confident in making an offer.

3. Prevent Closing Delays
If issues crop up during the buyer’s inspection, it could delay closing due to repairs or prolonged negotiations. The buyer could even pull their offer altogether.

Pro tip: Fixing issues before listing the home can improve the outcome of your buyer’s inspection. And that could mean less negotiation on the whole.

Keep in mind that inspections come with an upfront fee, and you’ll be legally required to disclose any issues the inspector finds. However, we can discuss the inspection report to see how repairs could affect your home’s market value. 
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Are you considering selling your home this year? Want to know what it’s worth or what you can expect in today’s market? Reach out today for a free local market report and see how your house measures up.

How handy would you say you are? Can you fix a leaking faucet or install a new backsplash? Do you own all the drills, power saws and sanders used by the pros?

It can be tempting to DIY it all — especially if you’re on a budget. After all, you can have an active role in improving your home, and save cash to put toward other things. Why wouldn’t you want to?

The truth is not all projects are suited for a DIYer — no matter how much of a shiplap expert you might be. 

If you’re considering a few renovations, here’s when to put on your toolbelt and when you might want to call a pro: 
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In the Kitchen:  You can probably replace a sink, reface your cabinets or install a new dishwasher. 
Want to move the sink or add recessed lighting? You’ll want a pro.

In the Bathroom: Installing new floor tiles, upgrading your toilet seat or changing your showerhead are all tasks you can do. 
If you want in-floor radiant heating or to install a tub where there isn’t one, bring in a pro.

On the Exterior: Looking for more curb appeal with a new garden bed and a fresh coat of paint on your front door? Have at it. 
Substantial upgrades like installing a skylight, repairing your roof or repaving your driveway are better suited for a professional.
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Structural Changes: If you’re super handy, you can probably install drywall or relocate a door. 
But if you’re changing an area that’s load-bearing? Definitely call a pro.

​Remember, DIY doesn’t mean doing everything yourself. You’ll want to hire a professional for anything that requires specialized knowledge. There’s no shame in asking for help from an expert. 

Want to discuss what home renovations might improve your property’s value? Get in touch today.

You’ve decided it’s time to sell your home. Your neighbor just sold for a pretty penny, but they also spent a lot on remodeling and renovations. Does that mean you need to upgrade your home to sell? 

Is it worth trying to sell as is? Or will your home be passed up and stuck on the market?

Fortunately, full-scale remodels aren’t required to sell your home. Sure, a home reno might fetch more money, but it’s not always worth the time and effort. 

​So how do you know what’s worth fixing up? Here are the do’s and don’ts of pre-listing home renovations:

Do:

• Fix trip hazards throughout (and around) the home.Uneven flooring and sidewalks, broken stairs and off-kilter ramps aren’t just noticeable to touring buyers; they’re a downright danger. 
• Fix pet damage and lingering odors. Scratches on doors, torn window screens and holes in the yard will only make buyers wary of further pet damage on the property.
• Fix water stains. Even if you’ve fixed the pipes or plumbing issues, buyers may still worry about mildew or mold problems.
  
  

Don’t:

• Make partial updates to older kitchens and baths.Mixing old and new elements only highlights the age of the space. You need to commit to a full upgrade or let the buyer do a comprehensive remodel on their own.
• Decorate the home with trendy or bold colors.Neutral colors photograph better, make the space look larger and help buyers reimagine the house with their belongings. Bold and bright colors do the opposite.
• Renovate beyond what your neighbors have done.Buyers are going to offer what comparable sales suggest, no matter how much money you’ve poured into remodeling.

A few repairs and upgrades can certainly make your home more marketable. But a full-scale remodel? That’s not necessary in most cases. 
Are you ready to sell? Get in touch today for a comprehensive review and marketing plan for selling your home.

​View blog post here as well.