The spring is a popular time in the real estate market for selling. You will notice an increase of for sale signs going up around your neighborhood in the coming weeks. If you are considering selling, now is the time to prepare. Successfully selling your home for the price you desire and in an efficient time requires planning and preparation. It requires making necessary repairs and upgrades to the house. If you are toying with the idea of selling your home this spring, consider the following home improvement and repair ideas.
Increase your curb appeal
The purpose of the for sale sign is to attract local neighbors attention. Most people purchase homes within a couple miles of their existing location. They do not want to change school systems or career commutes. Considering that there will be many homes on the market this spring, you really want yours to stand out. You can do this by increasing your overall curb appeal. Keep your lawn trimmed and professionally landscaped at all times, fix holes and cracks in your driveways and sidewalks, and update the siding on your house and garage. You can also plant new tress, bushes, and an abundance of colorful flowers.
Make any necessary repairs
Homeowners do not want to purchase something that they immediately have to make repairs on. Ensure that your home is up to date and that all necessary repairs are completed. This includes even the smallest of repairs. If there is a crack in your microwave, either replace the microwave or seal the crack. You would be surprised at how much that minor crack can affect the offer price or timeline of your home?s sale.
Complete water and air quality tests
Many homeowners have been burned during a sale because of a poor inspection report. Both the buyer and the seller invest a lot of time and money into the process to find that the bank will not approve the loan, because of specific problems on the inspection report. One of the most common surprises to homeowners it the air quality test reports. Scientists estimate that lung cancer deaths could be reduced by 2 to 4%, or about 5,000 deaths, by lowering radon levels in homes exceeding the EPA?s action level.
Complete your own air quality and water quality testing services by using a qualified radon testing contractor. Radon gas testing contractors will bring out multiple air tests. A water contractor will take samples of your water. After a couple of weeks of analysis, you will be provided with a sample report. If the report shows favorable results, you can share this with potential buyers. If the report shows poor air or water quality levels, you can improve them.
Improve water and air quality
Potential home buyers do not want to move into a house with existing problems. If the water quality test showed problems with the water, have a local sump pump installation completed. The local sump pump installation will increase the quality of the water. The local sump pump installation will also add to the value of the house.
If air quality tests shown traces of radon in the home, hire a radon mitigation company as soon as possible. Tests may be short term or long term. Long term tests determine the average concentration for more than 90 days. The radon abatement can be completed with passive solutions. Passive systems of mitigation have been shown to be capable of reducing indoor radon levels by more than 50%. When radon ventilation fans are added, radon levels can even be reduced further. Provide potential homeowners with the abatement information.
Spring is usually the best time for selling your house. There is an increase in home buyers and the warmer weather is the perfect time for needed repairs. These necessary repairs and updates can increase your asking price and can make your house more desirable to buyers. If you are considering selling your house this coming spring, ensure that you make needed repairs and updates, increase your curb appeal, complete air and water quality tests, and use local sump pump installation or radon abatement services, if needed.