Market Ready or Not!
Spring is the busy season for putting homes on the market. Leading RVA realtor Annemarie Hensley of Liz Moore and Associates, graciously answered a few questions DCI asked on getting your home market ready. DCI has partnered with Annemarie on the purchase of one home and the selling of two others. We’d partner with her again in a quick second. She knows her real estate! If you are considering selling your home, this post is for you! Even if you are not, this information is great for keeping your home market ready when you are!
What repairs/updates would you consider to be the least effective (i.e. will not bring a great ROI) when putting a house on the market?
When thinking about updating a home, it is important that home owners are selecting neutral materials and designs. For instance, repainting can be a great and fairly inexpensive way to update your home, but if you select the wrong colors, it could be a turn off for buyers and cost you a sale. And wallpaper is NO, as it is much too personal and tough to remove. Technology is great too, but electronics can be quickly become outdated, so adding home theaters and other electronics are expensive and will not add much in terms of ROI. Neither heavy landscaping nor pools will yield much in ROI either, and I would suggest staying away from both if you plan to sell in the near future.
What repairs/updates would you consider to be the most important when putting a house on the market?
When a home hits the market, it needs to shine like a new penny! Improve your curb appeal by power washing surfaces, have a freshly painted front door, and new mulch. Buyers focus on kitchen and baths on the interior. So, if yours are still Avocado Green and Harvest Gold, you may need a complete remodel, and remember to use colors and materials that will appeal to a broad range of buyers.
What are the hottest trends right now to help a home sell quickly at maximum price? (floor plan, wall color, countertops, flooring, appliances, etc.)
Buyers are searching for open floor plans! Having the kitchen open to the family room is especially appealing. Most homes these days are showcasing some sort of stone counter top. Simple subway tiles for back splash add great appeal. Neutral wall colors are great and currently, grey tones are especially popular. My favorites are Rever Pewter, Agreeable Grey and Grey Owl. Flooring can depend on your market, but hardwood floors are popular and wide plank or varied width floors seem to top the list now.
What would steps would you recommend for home owners who do not want to sell their home presently, but would like to keep it “market ready”?
Having your home market ready, means having the house uncluttered, depersonalized and tidy! Have fresh paint, updated lighting and updated plumbing fixtures. Again, chose neutral colors! Make sure all mechanical systems and appliances are in good working order. I would even recommend servicing your HVAC system on a regular basis.
