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Print Pagefrom Dec 2007 issue of Houston Real Estate Experts - FREE subscription
Remodeling Tips for Quick Sale
by Shaun Sharry, general contractor
When getting a house ready for sale, it is always important to ask yourself several critical questions. Do I want a finished product that will move quickly? Do I want a finished product that makes sense? Do I want a finished product that is appealing to the broadest market? If your answer is YES, then here are a few tips to help you out.
Curb appeal is the first impression a prospective buyer gets of your product. Would you go to a store to buy anything at top dollar and settle for a middle of the road product, or do you want to buy the best looking and most appealing product for the same money? We all want the most our money can buy. So trim the trees and hedges, mow the grass, and do some minor landscaping to dress the property up. You do not have to spend a lot, but it is very important.
Clean the entryway and front door and make sure the walks are swept and neat. If possible, paint the front door and entryway at the very least - if not painting the exterior. Always pressure wash the exterior if it is dirty and there are signs of mildew. It gives the house a fresh and inviting look.
Kitchens and bathrooms are also a strong selling point. You do not have to go all out, but it needs to match. Top of the line countertops with a cheap backsplash and a dated sink and faucet does not work. If the budget is limited, try to spread it around, so what is there becomes appealing. Make sure everything matches. "Just because it works" is not an excuse to leave it there. You want the room to flow from one to the next to be more appealing and inviting.
Over the years, I have seen some beautiful kitchens and bathrooms that did not match the rest of the house, and the owner just could not understand why the house was not sold. This is also true in the reverse: I have seen gorgeous houses that had a horrible kitchen or bathrooms, and it keeps the house from being sold.
Ceiling fans in bedrooms and living rooms is always a good idea as well. Also consider new door knobs, doorstops and things like wall sconces and hallway lights that match and blend in with paint and carpet. You want them nice but not sticking out like a sore thumb. Make sure all the outlets and switches match as well. Nothing says cheap like having 3 different colors of switches and outlets mismatched throughout the house - or just plain dirty switches and outlets. Remember, low end does not mean trashy.
Remember that the ARV (after repair value) really means after all the necessary repairs have been made. So plan ahead, budget for repairs that will help sell the house (and not just repairs that have to be made), and you will find that you have a much more marketable property. You will make more than if it appears that you just slapped it together overnight. I had a City of Houston inspector tell me once that it did not matter whether we were in the ghetto or River Oaks, always ask ourselves one question: when we finished, would it be safe and would we want our children to live there. He said, as long as we kept that in mind, we could not go wrong.
In closing, I want to share this thought: in providing someone an affordable quality home to live in, not only have you turned a profit, but you have also provided a valuable service to your community that will always make you successful.
Shaun Sharry, general contractor
Shaun Sharry is the President of The Dependable Renovators, LLC - a construction company specializing in turn-key rehabilitation projects. Shaun brings to the table 20 years of experience in the industry, coupled with hard work and professional ethics. If you need your project done right the first time, call (281) 392-7295 or visit www.thedependablerenovators.com.