We recently had the opportunity to work with a home owner who decided to update her 1997 home before listing it for sale. She wanted to make a prudent investment in the updates that would appeal to buyers, and we were happy to help. She also wanted to be confident she was not overlooking any major repairs, so this savvy seller hired a home inspector before she marketed the home.
Both decisions paid off.
A few key updates to the look and feel of the home can boost the sale value of the property. Some improvements will even shorten the time in which a home is sold. Beyond mere cosmetic improvements, many sellers would also gain valuable information about the condition of their home for a relatively small investment in a home inspection report. Informed sellers can use the inspector's report to make certain improvements (or price their homes accordingly). Few things can sour a real estate deal like costly surprises that pop up in the inspection process after buyer and seller have reached a tentative agreement.
Armed with our client's own inspection report, we set out to replace the roof, install a new steam shower in the master bath, add hardwood floors on the second floor and refinish the hardwood floors elsewhere, paint the house, refresh the kitchen, gut a hall bath, and update the powder room.
First floor improvements included lighting, refinished floors, and fresh paint
The first floor before our work began.
Another view of the first floor from the entrance to the kitchen.
The original entry .
The updated entry.
So many kitchens from 1997-2005 featured the same orange-brown maple cabinets, satin nickel hardware, and polished black granite. This was not a great era for kitchens.
The refinished cabinets, with a new range and under-counter microwave, countertops, backsplash and lighting.
A view of the kitchen from the family room.
The old master bedroom.
The new master bedroom.
The old hall bathroom.
The new hall bathroom.
Our client received multiple offers on her home within 30 days of listing, including a full price all-cash offer which she accepted. Whoo-Hoo! We wish her continued great success!
