Sound Off: What updates or remodels should sellers undertake if they have the means before putting their house on the market? – SFGate

Published 12:55pm PST, Friday, November 22, 2019

Man and woman thinking about housing

Man and woman thinking about housing

Photo: Takasuu / Getty Images/iStockphoto

Man and woman thinking about housing

Man and woman thinking about housing

Sound Off: What updates or remodels should sellers undertake if they have the means before putting their house on the market?

Q: What updates or remodels should sellers undertake if they have the means before putting their house on the market?

A: Updates or remodels are key to a successful sale. Here are some of my musts for sellers hoping to receive top dollar:

Painting: Repaint the interior with neutral colors, as bold colors can turn off potential buyers. Refresh the exterior paint if needed.

Hardwood floors: Refinishing hardwood floors give them a clean, fresh look. The choice of stain is key, so consult your Realtor or interior designer. Install new hardwood floors if necessary.

Kitchen and Bathrooms: Consider upgrading dated counters with in fashion, durable materials, like quartz. New stainless appliances are helpful, along with new sinks and faucets. Painting exterior cabinets is an extra bonus.

Electrical: Update the thermostat and install or replace light fixtures where needed.

Landscaping: Trim trees, plant new flowers, lay fresh mulch and consider power-washing the driveway, deck or patio.

Cleaning: Clean all exterior and interior windows and fix windows with broken seals. Consider a deep commercial cleaning of all interior spaces.

Staging: A complete, professional staging of the home helps say goodbye to clutter.

David Ayerdi, McGuire Real Estate, 415-794-3212, dayerdi72@gmail.com.

A: Curb appeal is crucial, as buyers often make quick judgements based simply on a homes exterior. Ive worked with buyers who were so turned off by an unkempt exterior they wouldnt even even enter a listing.

Overgrown plants can make a home look rundown, but a well-manicured lawn suggests to prospective buyers that the house is maintained inside as well. Start by cutting the grass, trimming the hedges and clearing away any clutter. Show your lawn a little TLC.

Kitchen and bathrooms can increase the value of a home, but that doesnt mean you have to do a major renovation in these rooms. Do your research first before committing to a project. New countertops or modern appliances may be just the kind of enticement you need to reel in a buyer. Additionally, fresh paint works wonders, especially thoughtfully chosen contemporary hues.

Gail Melad, Compass, 415-425-8775, gail@jessieleesf.com.

A: In the city, its all about the beauty contest. A buyers first impression is key and we only have one chance.

You cant see the forest for the trees, totally applies to busy buyers in our online world of swiping to the next property. A space filled with knickknacks works against you. This is exactly why staging is critical, and the difference is huge.

Not performing simple tweaks (and sometimes not so simple) may prevent getting top dollar. A fresh coat of paint is an effective start. A stager can recommend whether other upgrades are worthwhile, like refinishing floors, installing new cabinets/counters/fixtures, lighting or remodeling the kitchen and bathrooms.

The goal is to maximize a spaces appeal to as wide an audience as possible, because we want buyers to envision themselves living here. The ugly duckling or the white swan, which property do you think will secure a higher offer?

Paul Ybarbo, Sothebys International Realty, 415-640-7281, paul.ybarbo@sothebyshomes.com.

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Sound Off: What updates or remodels should sellers undertake if they have the means before putting their house on the market? - SFGate