Selling a home can be a daunting task. Not only do you need to find a real estate agent, settle on a fair list price, and try to stand out in the market, but you also have to deal with people in and out of your home until it sells.
Improve your chances of selling quickly by taking time to understand homebuyers’ sore spots. Ahead, we’re covering the four most common concerns when it comes to shopping the housing market.
1.) Improper Surface Grading/Drainage
According to the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors, this was the most common issue in home inspections. An astounding 35.8% of the survey respondents were dealing with issues related to improper drainage and surface grading.
If you think about it, this is huge, as issues with drainage or uneven surfaces can lead to foundational instability, mold, termites, and more. And, it’s frequently the cause of other household maladies like water penetration of the basement and crawlspace — something that will definitely raise a red flag for homebuyers (and their lenders!).
2.) Home is Too Outdated
Having an old — or shall we say “vintage” — home is not always a bad thing. Older homes often have character and charm that is missing from new builds. However, if you’re trying to match the price point of other homes in your neighborhoods without undertaking the modern renovations of those homes, you’re likely in for some bad news.
While you may not want to shell out hundreds of thousands of dollars on a home you’re trying to get out of, consider a few upgrades to help buyers justify a higher price point. A few easy changes can go a long way in making your house market-ready — think new paint, upgraded kitchen appliances, and new shutters!
[PRO TIP: Wondering how much should you spend on home improvement projects? Don’t miss this blog post!]
3.) Roof Damage
Because roofs are expensive, they often make homebuyers leery. Unsurprisingly, roof leakage caused by old or damaged shingles or improper flashing is a frequent problem for sellers. You’ll need to factor in the age of your roof when you are coming up with the list price for your home. (Don’t worry — your realtor can help you with this!)
4.) Poorly Kept Exteriors
First impressions are huge with homebuyers — and as the old saying goes, you only get one chance at yours. Flaws in a home’s exterior (like old windows, peeling doors, crumbling shutters, and rotted porch boards) can be a major turn-off for prospective buyers. Some of these fixes require more effort and money than others, but some are relatively painless tweaks that can boost your home to the next level. How much value do shutters add to your home? We have the answer right here.
Overall, if you’re selling your home, put your focus on high-profile areas like the kitchen, bathrooms, and curb appeal.
Ready to up your curb appeal and replace your shutters right now?
