The housing market in Thurston County is super-hot right now. Not only is it prime real estate season, but the entire region is experiencing growth. This is resulting in home values rising from Seattle to Chehalis.
Many sellers may think it’s a good idea to put their house on the market immediately to tap into that buyer demand. However, according to experts at Boggs Inspections Services and real estate agents at Better Properties of Lacey, preparing your house before listing will increase value, demand and will help speed the process.
Maximize your price while minimizing headaches by using these five tips to get ahead of the game and make both you and your buyer happy.
Efficiency Upgrades
“For buyers, there is a large emphasis on home efficiency in today’s market,” says Nicole Braam of Better Properties of Lacey. “For a seller who’s considering building, remodeling or selling a home, getting a look by an inspector to find out how to improve your home’s efficiency is very important.”
Dwayne Boggs, owner of Boggs Inspection Services, sees energy efficiency concerns on a regular basis. He recommends having a pre-listing inspection to identify areas for upgrade before you list. These include switching to a tankless water heater or ductless heat system to add value. They look clean and modern, too.
Roof and Gutters
A roof can make or break a deal for some homes. A thorough inspection to ensure no leaks and no missing or damaged shingles will bring peace of mind to both buyer and seller. Once your roof is approved, removed the moss and clean out those gutters. Potential buyers will appreciate the extra bit of work making their new home move-in ready.
Curb Appeal
Ever heard the expression love at first sight? This applies to homes, too. Braam suggests sellers focus on making a positive first impression with these minor upgrades:
- Touch up or paint your front door. Bold colors tend to grab attention.
- Install or add new house numbers and outdoor light fixtures.
- Add or upgrade your mailbox.
- Add trees, shrubs or perennial plants for a fresh look. Be sure to keep plantings several feet from the siding and foundation.
- Plant colorful flowers in pots or beds.
- Consider adding bold and tasteful outdoor furniture to compliment the home and help buyers envision themselves in the space.
- De-clutter your yard – always remember that less is more!
Safety Upgrades
All homes are required to have CO2 monitors. Save a step in your inspection process and add them prior to listing. Check outlets in kitchens and baths to ensure GFCI outlets are in place. Swapping these out is simple and ensures safety in “damp” locations. Add an earthquake strap to your hot water heater and consider having your furnace serviced (or upgraded) prior to listing. These small upgrades add up to a big boost of confidence for potential buyers and show a level of home maintenance buyers will appreciate.
Pre-Listing Inspection
Boggs Inspection Services offers Pre-Listing Inspections, the ultimate check list for homeowners preparing to sell.
“It takes all the guess-work out of it – everything is addressed,” says Boggs. “It’s already been looked at by an unbiased professional.”
“A pre-listing inspection is valuable to both the buyer and seller,” assures Braam. “The seller will be ready to list the property, be fully-informed of what hidden issues may arise and have the opportunity to remedy those possible hidden problem areas prior to a buyer viewing or having his or her own inspection preformed.”
The pre-listing inspection can also be shared with buyers, making your home more competitive to those looking for a problem-free transaction.
“This also could be of benefit to a buyer if they would like to use the seller’s pre-inspection when considering the home,” she adds. “They can avoid taking the time and expense to hire an additional inspection of their own, but rather use the seller’s pre-inspection to move forward with the purchase of the home.”
Even in a hot real estate market, sellers need to make their listing stand out. To maximize profits while minimizing headaches, call for a pre-listing inspection from Boggs Inspection Services. Their professional assessment could mean the difference between a buyer choosing your home or the one down the street.
To contact Dwayne and his team at Boggs Inspection Services, visit them online or call 360-480-9602.
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