Are you considering selling your home in Tucson and hoping to get top dollar? If so, you may wonder if you should update the home to prepare it for sale. And more than that, if you should make updates, what should you change to ensure you get your money back?
The good news is that there are a few things that many homebuyers will look for when they’re searching for a home. As you’re getting ready to sell your home, you can make it more appealing to potential buyers by updating or refreshing some core areas within the home.
The kitchen is often called the heart of the home, and for good reason. It's where families gather to cook, eat, and spend time together. Updating your kitchen is one of the best investments you can make when selling your home. You don’t have to redo the entire kitchen to get the benefit. You can do a mini update by repainting, replacing old or outdated countertops, and replacing appliances so they’re shiny and new, with a warranty for the new homeowner. If you have outdated track lighting, you might consider having an electrician add pendant lights instead for a more current look. These changes won’t cost you a lot and can help your home sell faster and for more money.
Another selling point for many homes that might surprise you are the bathrooms. If you want to upgrade your bathrooms to include tile surrounds for your tub or shower, you can, but it’s probably unnecessaryat most prices. However, replacing old or outdated faucets, light fixtures, or damaged countertops and painting the room can help freshen things up without spending a fortune.
You don’t need to go crazy with updates here and do things like add built-in firepits, outdoor kitchens, decks, or hardscapes; however, if you want to add some new plants and flowers to improve your home's curb appeal, they can help. If you have a pool, be sure the chemicals are good, the water is clear and sparkly, and the pool looks appealing.
If you have any areas showing wear and tear in the yard or pool, it would be a good idea to have them refreshed and updated so they look nice again or hide them out of sight. Take down the old pool basketball hoop the kids haven’t played with in years and toss out the old broken lounger so they don’t distract from the beauty of your backyard when potential buyers visit.
You want them to be able to envision spending time outside and enjoying themselves, not fixating on a broken chair or basketball hoop by the pool.
Don’t underestimate the power of fresh paint and updated flooring. A fresh coat of paint can make your home feel clean and new, while new flooring can give your home a modern, updated look. Consider replacing the carpet in your home and determine if your laminate or tile looks good or needs to be cleaned or even replaced (not necessarily a good idea from a cost perspective). Have your home professionally painted for a fresh, new look. Remember to choose neutral colors so it’s easy for your potential buyer to picture themselves making your home theirs.
While replacing a roof or AC unit is probably the last thing you want to do due to the cost of either one, it’s something important to consider, especially in Tucson. Our weather is hard on the AC unit and the roof. If either is old or in need of replacement, you may have a harder time selling your home. A home with a newer roof or AC unit will often sell faster than one that will need either or both in the near future due to the costs associated with both replacements. You might want to consider having someone out to check on both items before listing so you can determine where things stand for your home,and, if necessary, you may want to consider either replacing it now or offering an incentive to help with the replacement cost.
If you’re considering selling your home and want to know which updates you should make to get top dollar, we can help. We also have a great team of handypersons and trusted vendors who can help get the work done quickly so you can get your home on the market. We’d love to help you sell your home. Contact us today with any questions about the updates you should make to prepare your home for sale.
