Property basics to get right before you sell

When we talk about the benefits of home improvements, the spotlight inevitably falls on how a new kitchen or bathroom refit can increase the potential sale price. These two rooms more than any other can offer the best return on investment if you’re thinking of ways to maximize the value of your home.

Of course, most improvements are about enhancing the owners’ lifestyle and enjoyment and have nothing to do with moving up the property ladder, or downsizing with a sweet windfall.

But these big-dollar improvements shouldn’t be done at the expense of crucial upgrades that maintain the structural integrity of your home.

Confronting the fact your foundations are slipping, or the damp is rising, is an uncomfortable experience. And while we might prefer to spend money on an outdoor entertainment area, the wisest course of action is always to double-down on the problems.

As an experienced real estate agent in your neighborhood, I have learned over the years that the priority for renovation dollars should address what you home needs, rather than the “nice to haves”.

If you’re thinking of selling your home, you shouldn’t assume you can hide problems. Prospective buyers will order reports from a builder and a pest control expert, often as part of their obligation to their mortgage lender. Cracked walls and termite infestations will not escape investigation.

So, before you start planning the kitchen upgrade that could deliver a great return on investment, you need to get the basics straight. 

If you don’t, there’ll be a cost. You’ll lose potential buyers and be left with bargain-hunters who’ll demand a hefty discount to fix the problems you ignored.

In my work with clients, I always recommend the integrity of the home must be beyond question. Cash invested in a new kitchen will be wasted if your hottest buyer only wants to talk about how much it’s going to cost to sort out all the issues.

Don’t see these issues as a problem but an opportunity. You’ll never be able to realize the full potential of your home’s value unless it’s in excellent condition.

To help you think through these challenges, I have created a list of common issues to check for around your property. I hope they help, and if I can help you achieve a great sales price or find you a new home, please do not hesitate to contact me.

  1. Good bones” – This is a real estate phrase for a house that is structurally sound. Take a walk inside and outside your home and look for crack in walls, broken bricks, missing mortar, rotting boards, or any other that might need attention.
  2. Hard wired – Prospective buyers are often concerned with the state of the wiring in older homes and will specifically ask a builder or electrician to make an assessment. Replacement can cost several thousand dollars. So, if it’s not in good order, many buyers will pass.
  3. Rising damp – If you have mold on walls, then it’s likely your home is suffering from rising damp and the damp course, or a section of it, needs replacing. This used to be a huge saga, but new techniques and products have made remedies easier and cheaper to access.    
  4. Asbestos – We all know the dangers of asbestos. But its existence in your home will send a shudder through many buyers. I’d recommend replacing it before going to market. Only choose a company that specialises in removing asbestos. Do NOT do it yourself. 
  5. Rotting frames – Older homes will often suffer from rotting wooden window frames. When you replace them, consider aluminium frames that will last much longer. If you have a period home that needs wooden frames, then that’s the way to go. If this is beyond your budget, employ a painter to sparkle them up.
  6. Budget squeeze – Cosmetic improvements should be made only on a tight budget. By all means install a new countertop in the kitchen, but don’t spend up when you’re moving on.
  7. Brush up – Painting the interior is a high-impact improvement that is relatively inexpensive, especially if you do it yourself. It’s often worth painting the front of the home to make a great first impression. Primary colors on front doors is in fashion right now.
  8. Classy touch – You’ll be amazed at the difference new door handles and lights can make. In living areas, a lighting fixture can make a real statement – and that will stay in the minds of your prospective buyers.