Financial and tech industries are struggling, interest rates continue rising, and homeowners are facing unsettling uncertainty. As an agent, it’s your responsibility to advise your sellers how to strategically invest in their current home to help set them up financially to reach their future home goals.

While completely remodeling is one approach to selling for more, on average it can take up to 6 months and cost upwards of $100k according to Rocket Mortgage; not to mention the time and energy spent managing stressful renovations.

Luckily, there are many opportunities to update without breaking the bank or sacrificing sellers’ timelines.

Painting

Painting interiors will automatically elevate a home without investing too much time or money. Even if the walls are already neutral, chances are it’s been a while since it was painted. Adding a fresh coat will instantly make a home feel updated by eliminating scuffs, scratches, and other imperfections.

For smaller spaces, it is possible to get all the materials and paint needed for around $200, making this a budget-friendly option to update a space before selling.

If the thought of painting the entire house is overwhelming or out of budget, consider focusing on the more high profile rooms, like the kitchen, living room, entryway, and primary bedroom, which typically get the most attention from buyers.

The Great Outdoors

Outdoor space is currently among the biggest buyer must-haves, so going the step by adding plants, lighting, and furniture could provide major returns, and a lot can be accomplished without a major overhaul.

Simply mowing, weeding, and trimming the lawn and sprucing up existing landscaping can show buyers the outdoor potential. If the exterior needs a little extra TLC, pressure washing can have a major impact and is less costly than a full exterior repaint.

Keep It Simple, Seller

A well-lived in home is bound to experience wear and tear. And while it’s important to make sure all big repairs are taken care of, don’t underestimate how little flaws can turn buyers away.

Fixing a broken garbage disposal, repairing a leaky toilet, or replacing burnt out light bulbs are quick, cheap, and also easy to forget.

These things may not contribute to the structural integrity, but for buyers, the thought of having to play handyman when first moving in is likely to turn them away.

Your All-In-One Solution

When recommending presale updates to sellers, it’s common to be met with resistance. “My home is good enough to sell as-is.” But remember, it’s about what the buyer wants, not what the seller thinks they have to offer.

Renovation Sells provides turnkey move-in ready homes on any budget. With years of experience, an expert-design team, and market-specific knowledge, Renovation Sells is the perfect presale partner for all your listings and presale projects, no matter the size.