From floridarealtors.org
Sellers may be able to boost the value of their home by 12 percent with just a few pre-listing repairs, according to a new survey of 300 residential real estate professionals by the Consumer Reports National Research Center.
On a median home priced at $205,000 that could be a potential gain of $24,600.
Here are some of the fixes that the Consumer Reports survey of real estate professionals uncovered as being the most important:
Declutter
Cost range: $0 (do-it-yourself) to $2,500 (pro)
Potential return: 3 percent to 5 percent
What to do: Clear away any clutter and depersonalize the space as much as possible.
Make over the kitchen
Cost range: $300 to $5,000
Potential return: 3 percent to 7 percent
What to do: The kitchen was rated as the most important room to have in top shape before selling, according to the survey. Focus on minor repairs that center on the function of the kitchen first, such as repairing leaky faucets, loose light fixtures or blemishes on the countertop. Then, take care of small enhancements, such as painting the walls, updating the cabinet hardware and adding new curtains or light fixtures.
Freshen up the bathroom
Cost range: $300 to $1,000
Potential return: 2 percent to 3 percent
What to do: Make simple improvements, such as caulking the tub or re-grouting the floor or adding new bathroom fixtures to brighten up the space. Updating the mirror and lighting also can have a big impact.
Paint
Cost range: $100 (do-it-yourself) to $1,000 (pro)
Potential return: 1 percent to 3 percent
What to do: Interior painting is an important part of bringing about a sale of a home. But the seller likely doesn’t need the entire house repainted — maybe just a redo of one or two rooms to curb costs. The two prime candidates are kitchens and bathrooms. Paint with whites and off-white colors and a neutral palette — such as grays and beiges — to help buyers focus on the home’s features. Bright colors tend to distract them.
Exterior touch ups
Cost range: $150 to $7,500
Potential return: 2 percent to 5 percent
What to do: Concentrate on basic maintenance first, such as mowing the lawn, trimming overgrown shrubs and applying a fresh layer of mulch to garden beds. Make needed minor repairs, such as replacing cracked siding boards or repointing brick walls. Take careful note of any repairs needed with the roof.