One of the biggest dilemmas people have when selling their property is whether they should decorate or “do it up” before they list it. Both options could work depending on how much you expect to sell and list the property for, how much work you’re intending to do, and the current state of your home. Where you live and the market in your area could also make a difference. Let’s take a look at a few factors you’ll have to consider before making your decision.
How Good is Your Home’s Curb Appeal?
If your house looks like a mess from the exterior, it’s usually a better option to do it up. If you’re on a limited budget, you at least have to make sure the lawn and fence are in good condition, that there is no paint chipping anywhere, and that the front door is in good shape.
If you’re already halfway there, just making a few changes like getting a better door, changing the mailbox, and changing the house’s numbers to something more modern or luxurious could make a much bigger difference than you think.
How Much Work Would Need to be Done?
If you only have to re-stain the floor or redo the painting in the hallway, then do it. It won’t cost much, and will make a direct impact on your ability to sell the home and how much you can sell it for.
However, if you’re going to do this yourself, you have to make sure that you don’t end up making a mess that will cost you extra and eat into your margin. Make sure that you get all the protection equipment like a good smart grip drop cloth. Companies like Trimaco, for instance, sell different varieties of drop cloths that can protect against spills to make sure that no solvent agent or paint ends up damaging your floors. The drop cloth tightly grips to the floor and will protect flooring and carpeting from paint stains. This will allow you or the crew to move freely around the jobsite without leaving prints that could cost you a small fortune to remove.
Do You have Issues with Major Components?
If the faucets in the house aren’t working, the floors are in ruins, and major components like the foundation or the roof have major issues, then this isn’t something that you can fix easily. More often than not, you will not be able to get your money back on the sale.
However, know that some people like a fixer upper, so in this case, it would not be a good idea to do too much work. Sell the property as is and be very honest about its condition. People who are in the market for these types of houses will be prepared for issues, so don’t sour the deal by having them discovering extra work after inspection.
Conclusion
Knowing if you should fix up your property before you sell comes down to buyer expectations, your market, and how much space you have to play with. Make sure that you don’t go overboard, but do what you can to make the house looks presentable if it only needs a few fixes.
