When you’re selling your house, it’s essential to make sure that buyers can see themselves living there. However, suppose the property for sale is dilapidated. In that case, it might be a stretch to expect a buyer to envision their belongings in place of the mold-caked curtains and chipped paint.
It is still possible to sell an old house as a fixer-upper and get the most money out of the property. Still, owners should be sure to do these things before putting their homes on the market.
What is a fixer-upper?
A fixer-upper is a house that needs some repairs and modernization before anyone can live in it. These properties are usually sold at a lower price than similar homes that have been updated, making them an attractive option for buyers looking for a project.
Fixers-uppers provide buyers with plenty of opportunities to be creative in furnishing and designing the property. It’s also satisfying to make money on a home that would have otherwise sat vacant, especially when it costs less than other properties.
As much as fixer-uppers can be an eyesore, consider your motives before putting one up for sale. If you’re looking for any quick cash or if you’re looking to break into real estate without doing much work, this might not be the best choice for you. Therefore, it’s crucial to put in some solid preparation time before posting an ad.
With that in mind, here are five tips to help you sell your fixer-upper quickly.
1. Get rid of hazardous materials
Sellers should ensure that the property is clean and free of any hazardous materials. This includes taking out weed killer from the garden, cleaning off lead paint or asbestos, and storing any chemicals. A property with many toxic materials will need further cleaning after the sale before it’s suitable for people to live in.
2. Do pest control
Pests can cause a lot of damage to a home, and they can also be dangerous to the people who will live there. Any extensive damage may turn away potential buyers because it will become too expensive to repair. Moreover, the very sight of pests can cause buyers to run away from the sale. It’s essential to get rid of pests as soon as possible once you notice that you have them.
Some pests, like termites, can eat through wood very quickly and cause a lot of damage to the structure of your house. Like rats or cockroaches, other pests can spread diseases and contaminate food. It’s vital to get professional help to get rid of pests safely and completely.
3. Maintain HVAC
One common repair that can be expensive is replacing a home’s heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system. Suppose the system is outdated or not in good condition. In that case, it can be a turnoff for buyers and decrease the property’s selling price.
Say you intend to sell the property to a future homeowner. It’s essential to ensure that you complete any repairs on the furnace or air conditioning system before putting your house on the market. A new HVAC system will show buyers that you have taken care of the property and that they won’t have to worry about any expensive repairs after they move in.
4. Make sure the home is safe
Sellers should check to ensure that all electrical wiring, gas pipes, and other safety features are in good condition. Any problems related to wiring or gas can be hazardous, making it essential for people to know that the property is up to code. Buyers might also hesitate to pay the price you’re asking for if they know that renovations could cost them a lot of money.
5. Make the yard presentable
Even fixer-uppers will need to be landscaped and maintained before people can live in them. Therefore, it’s essential to ensure that the lawn is mowed, trees are trimmed, weeds are pulled out, and bushes are pruned before putting your home on the market. Having a manicured yard shows that you’re someone who takes care of their property, and it will make the house more appealing to potential buyers.
Suppose you’re thinking of selling your fixer-upper. It’s important to do some preparatory work before putting it on the market. This includes getting rid of hazardous materials, doing pest control, maintaining HVAC, and ensuring the yard is presentable. By preparing your house for sale in this way, you can make it more attractive to buyers and increase the chances that you’ll get the price you’re asking for.
