Selling your home is a big decision involving a lot of consideration, and selling a fixer-upper home is no different. Your home may only need minor repairs and changes. Alternatively, it may require a complete overhaul. Either way, you’ll have to consider price, the market climate, the state of your home, and any potential renovations when selling.
Selling a home can be confusing if you’ve never sold it before. Even more confusing can be the way you have to market a fixer-upper. If you need some guidance and want to sell faster, hiring an Orangeville real estate agent can take the pressure off you. Real estate agents have market knowledge and experience, so they can make recommendations on how to market your home. While real estate agents can get expensive, they have negotiating skills and can get the best offer for your house.
Here is a guide on how to sell a fixer upper house fast. Use these best practices to sell your fixer-upper home as quickly as possible!
Make small fixes to the house.
Even if your home requires extensive renovations, in the long run, some small fixes can help spruce up the space and appeal to potential buyers. Fixing holes in the walls and painting the house in a neutral colour will create a blank canvas of your home. Replace old, dingy, and worn-out light switch and outlet covers.
Fix any creaking doors and dripping faucets. Completing small repairs such as these makes the home seem more well-kept, and they’re a few fewer things for the new owners to do once they move in.
Play up the best features of your home.
Does your home have a great floor plan for entertaining? Is it located in an established neighbourhood with schools and lots of amenities? Maybe you have a large backyard with lots of space for kids and pets.
These are features that you should play up when selling! Even if your home is a fixed upper, things like these are huge selling points since other homes for sale may not have similar features. After renovations, you’ll also want to play up the home’s potential resale value. This will appeal to investors and house flippers who are looking to make a profit.
Increase your home’s curb appeal.
When selling your house quickly, don’t discount the power of a first impression! Even if your home requires some TLC, there’s no reason you can’t boost its curb appeal with some easy tricks. Make sure your front yard is well-kept and free of clutter. Ensure the walkway to the front door is free of any tripping hazards.
If the exterior of your home is dingy, consider using a pressure washer to have it look fresh and clean. Be sure to clean out the gutters and clear the roof of any leaves or debris. If you’re able, planting bushes or flowers in the front yard will give the appearance of a well-kept and welcoming home.
Be honest your home’s state.
You might be tempted to downplay the less-than-stellar aspects of your home to potential buyers, but as the old saying goes, honesty is the best policy! Including a pre-inspection report with your home’s listing will give buyers a comprehensive understanding of the repairs needed.
Including a report also prevents potential buyers from negotiating a lower price because of the home’s condition. A pre-inspection report makes selling and buying easier for all parties and speeds things up.
Deep clean your hous your housee.
You’d be surprised what a few hours of deep cleaning can do for your home’s appeal. Prospective buyers are much more likely to consider your home if it’s clean. Wipe down cabinets, walls and trim to remove any surface stains. Steam cleaning your carpets will freshen them up and have them look newer.
Depersonalize.
After deep cleaning, the next step should be depersonalization. Especially in a fixer-upper home, a blank canvas will allow potential buyers to visualize how the home could look after renovations. Remove family photos, personal trinkets and other items that make the home unique.
Research the market.
Market knowledge is key when selling your home. Research the market for your area and home type. This will help you avoid over or underpricing your home. Market research will also help you estimate how long it could take to sell your home, allowing you to establish a timeline.
Learn about renovation financing.
If your home is a fixer-upper, chances are the new owner will need to complete some renovations. Research renovation financing and mention it in your home’s listing. Some buyers may be deterred from buying a home needing extensive renovations and may not be aware of the financing available.
Including information about renovation loans and financing in your listing will allow you to appeal to as many buyers as possible.
