If you're looking to sell your South Boston home in the near future but don't know where to start, it's often helpful to get an idea of how much your property is worth as a jumping-off point. This figure can help you decide what you may sell your home for, how much home you can afford to move to, and what improvements you can make to boost that dollar figure. The higher the value of your home, the more you can ask for it when you do decide to sell.
Improving the value has to start early, though, and it often takes some time to get the changes implemented that will show results. The first step is knowing how much your home is worth in today's market. Luckily, Home Town Brokerage offers a free comparative market analysis, which is a report that helps you determine how much your home is worth in the current market. The home value estimator bases its results on similar recently-sold properties, under-contract properties and properties for sale. So, if you are thinking about selling your home, our team can guide you from start to finish. It all starts with your address.
Knowing what your home is worth is half the battle. Keep in mind you will have to shell out thousands, sometimes tens of thousands for real estate agent fees and closing costs, so the ticket price on your home isn't necessarily what you will pocket. According to Boston.com, Boston ranks as the sixth most expensive place in the country to sell a home, with sellers paying out an average of $34,000 in real estate agency fees and closing costs. Therefore, boosting the value of your home as much as possible will only benefit you in the end. There are also optional expenditures to consider as well.
Because we are immersed in a hot seller's market right now, homeowners must plan things out well before listing their property. From de-cluttering to staging to pre-inspections, agents and homeowners often spend weeks or even months prepping a home before placing it on the market. Making the right improvements now will help you out later. Here are some tips to help your home sell faster and at a higher price point.
Fresh Coat of Paint
Most sellers think this one is too subtle to make much difference, assuming that only obvious, high-end improvements will do. They also may assume that a bright white throughout the home will suffice in all rooms. However, if you neglect a new coat of paint or go too uniform and safe with white, you are missing an opportunity to become more emotionally evocative and obtain a higher sale price. Consumer Reports says sellers can see a gain of more than $1,000 just by painting their kitchens a warm, neutral yellow like wheat. Why? These colors boost the happiness factor. For bedrooms, go with soothing colors like light and mint green. Stay away from colors that turn people off, such as dark brown bathrooms or bright orange living rooms.
Kitchen Update
It seems life is centered around eating and entertaining, which is why an updated kitchen is so important to buyers. Got a dated kitchen? Consider getting new cabinet faces (white Shaker is popular now), new flooring (think hardwood in wide planks), appliances (stainless steel is out and colors are back in), and smart connectivity (think smart thermostats and home security systems). Such systems can be controlled by smart phones, an added convenience to busy professionals, families and couples looking to save time and money on their energy bills. Adding a security and video system isn't too invasive, either. Many models can be installed in seconds, with no pre-wiring or drilling. You can wire some door and window sensors, wall-mount some glass break sensors and set up cameras in the main areas. Do all or pick one.
Adding Storage
It's no secret that South Boston yards are tight on space. But to add extra storage appeal to a small yard, consider putting in a sturdy shed to expand the available space. This can be used to store lawn mowers, tools, sports equipment, bikes and more. Sheds are versatile and they don't cost nearly as much as a permanent addition. Add a window and it can be used for a work or craft room. These unique extra spaces are appreciated by discriminating buyers who want more for their money -- especially in an expensive community like South Boston.
Curb Appeal
The first thing buyers see when they pull up to the curb is your front yard and landscaping. Overgrown shrubbery and dried out lawns signal neglect, and buyers may not give you a second look let alone pay you what you want for the house. It doesn't take much to refresh the mulch, add some vibrant flowers, paint the mailbox and add some potted plants to the porch. Even painting the porch and shutters can boost the perceived value of your home because it's aesthetically appealing. While you're at it, inspect the roof and replace any missing shingles.
Interested in selling your home in South Boston? Check out Home Town Brokerage's home value estimator that acts as a free comparative market analysis. The first step is determining how much your home is worth in the current market. Contact us today at 617-877-1479 or email us at info@htbrealty.com.