As we enter the new year, real estate agents predict buyers should expect another round of high prices as the demand for homes continues to soar.
While trends still lean to favor a sellers-market, top real estate agents encourage those interested in selling to consider home improvements to add value to their property.
Agents are encouraging sellers to factor in curb appeal when putting your home on the market, making your neighbors happy and your neighborhood more desirable. Curb appeal can be worth the expense, and surveys show buyers are willing to pay 7% more for your property when adding these improvements.
Keep reading for tips on how to get started and the advantages of making your house more aesthetically appealing!
Increase the value of your home with these high ROI projects
Considering return on investment is crucial when renovating your home. According to top real estate agents, the curb appeal projects such as basic yard care, fresh mulch, landscaping, exterior paint jobs, and garage door installation have a positive ROI, which is not always promised in home improvement projects.
Basic yard care and applying fresh mulch will yield the highest ROI, collectively adding approximately $4,500 in resale value. A landscaping upgrade adds nearly $6,235 in resale value, painting your property adds about $7,571 in resale value, and installing a new garage door adds $2,797.
These projects are doable and don’t have to cost a fortune. It’s recommended that sellers invest an average of about $3,467 in curb appeal before listing their home, yielding around $11,718 in resale value for a 238% ROI.
COVID-19 brought front porches back into style
Since the pandemic began, front porches have been making a comeback as they’ve become increasingly desirable. After stay-at-home orders and nationwide lockdowns, homeowners are more interested in outdoor living spaces.
Top real estate agents have estimated that the dollar amount a front porch adds to a home has increased by 61% since March of 2020, from $3,526 to $5,686. The comfortable and social advantages that front porches offer appeals to many buyers.
Just imagine waiting for your home to sell and enjoying a chat with your neighbors or a cozy morning sipping coffee in your chair!
Think simply on a tight budget
When selling, it’s easy to be overwhelmed with numbers and overlook the simple benefit that something like curb appeal improvements can provide. While it’s important to address all the factors buyers consider when searching for a new home, agents urge sellers to keep in mind the simplest improvements.
Don’t let your budget rule these projects out completely. See which projects fit within your budget. Give your exterior a fresh coat of paint, or upgrade your landscaping. A few flowers and fresh mulch can be worth the investment, and your time.
Tips for Selling Your Home Even If You Have Pets
Selling a home can be a challenging process, especially when you have pets. However, with proper planning and preparation, you can make the process easier and increase your chances of selling your home in Austin. Here are some tips to help you sell your home successfully, even with pets:
Clean and deodorize your home: Before listing your home, thoroughly clean it to remove any pet odors or stains. Vacuum regularly, steam clean carpets, wash bedding, and consider hiring professionals for a deep cleaning. Use pet-friendly deodorizers to eliminate any lingering smells.
Repair any pet-related damage
Pets can sometimes cause damage to your home, such as scratched doors or torn carpets. Repair or replace any damaged areas to ensure your home looks its best for potential buyers.
Minimize signs of pets during showings: While you may love your furry friends, potential buyers might not share the same sentiment. During showings or open houses, remove any pet-related items like toys, bowls, and litter boxes. Put away pet beds, blankets, and crates. Consider temporarily relocating your pets to a friend’s house or boarding them during showings.
Stage your home effectively
When staging your home, focus on creating a neutral and inviting atmosphere. Remove any pet-related items and replace them with neutral decor. Consider removing or replacing any furniture that shows excessive wear from your pets.
Make necessary repairs and improvements: Buyers may be deterred if they see signs of pet damage or wear and tear. Fix any issues, such as scratched floors or torn window screens. Consider repainting walls if there are any noticeable stains or marks.
Consider professional pet odor removal
If you’re having trouble eliminating pet odors, consider hiring a professional odor removal service. They have specialized equipment and techniques to neutralize pet smells, ensuring your home smells fresh and appealing to potential buyers.
Highlight pet-friendly features: Austin is a pet-friendly city, and many homebuyers will appreciate features that accommodate pets. If your home has a fenced yard, a designated pet area, or pet-friendly flooring, be sure to highlight these features in your listing and during showings.
Be flexible with showings
Selling a home with pets can be more challenging because of the need to accommodate their care during showings. Try to be as flexible as possible with scheduling showings to accommodate potential buyers while ensuring your pets are comfortable.
Communicate about pets in your listing: Be upfront about the presence of pets in your home. Mention any pet-friendly features, such as a doggy door or a backyard, in your listing to attract pet-loving buyers. However, avoid overwhelming your listing with pet-related details that could distract from the overall appeal of your home.
Get professional advice
Consider consulting with a local real estate agent experienced in selling homes with pets in Austin. They can provide valuable insights specific to the local market and help you navigate the selling process more effectively.
By following these tips, you can increase your chances of selling your home in Austin, even with pets. Remember to prioritize cleanliness, remove any signs of pets during showings, and highlight pet-friendly features to appeal to a broader range of potential buyers.