How to Renovate a House to Prepare for Sale

Property is a major investment, for the buyer and often for the seller. Whether you’re a
homeowner or an agent trying to get the best possible deal for your client, it tends to pay
off to boost the house’s value with renovation strategies in preparation for the sale.

Factors like time of the year, location, and market will play a role in a property’s appeal
and sale, but this will focus on what’s within the agent’s and seller’s control. Homes are
often in need of repair, and leads from expired real estate listings frequently must deal
with some degree of renovation.

Some of these strategies will be simpler and cheaper than others, while others will take a
fair amount more time and money. As an agent, determine what renovations will elevate
the property and give the owner the best result and sale price. Consider these strategies
and apply them to your client’s individual situation.

Improve the Lighting and Energy Efficiency

Lighting is a constant, primary concern for potential buyers, along with location and the
house’s curbside visual appeal; hence why pictures often have curtains pulled back and
windows cleaned to showcase the light available in each room.

Such smaller measures can help; however, it might be necessary (and worthwhile) to do
more than just pull back the shades and clean the windows. Problems in insulation and a
lack of natural lighting will immediately make interested parties reconsider. So convince
the seller to invest in roof insulation repairs—the cost of which a recent survey found can
be recouped 116 percent—upgraded HVAC and heaters, and more effective windows
where necessary. Buyers will appreciate and repay the expense.

Add More Open Space

Another element of every house that potential buyers want to see is open space. This isn’t
to say the property should be completely empty, but cutting down on items in closets,
garages, entries, kitchen and cabinets will allow those who are interested to better gauge
dimensions and desirability.

From there, you and the seller can employ a number of tricks to increase the perception
of space. A differential surface—like a belt line—or darker colors leading upward toward
lighter ones create the illusion of more surface area. Other, greater investments to
consider, if necessary and funds are available, are creating framed openings to connect
two rooms through a shared wall, removing walls and replacing with support beams or
columns, and more. All of these will help the house feel more spacious.

Spruce Up Both the Interior and Exterior

Both of these have an impact on first impressions. It can be hard for buyers to envision
someone else’s house as theirs, so help them by removing as many personalized touches
from a piece of property as possible, along with all unnecessary clutter: untidy yards, family
pictures, religious memorabilia, untamed and unaesthetic plants, art, and other personal
design choices. Keep it tasteful and simple.

This strategy can involve simply removing items but then extend to repainting and large-
scale repairing. These may seem extensive and expensive, but extra attentiveness goes
a long way in earning buyer interest, with repainting potentially getting you over a 100
percent the return. Remind sellers that this is a business transaction, so they need to make
their houses presentable and perfect for pictures and in-person visits. Agents know that
first impressions count for a lot, so get the homeowner to invest here and earn a lot more
interest in return.

There’s always more that can be done, such as kitchen and bathroom remodeling and
floor leveling and upgrading smart house technology, but these are excellent starting
points to pitch to sellers to generate greater interest in their property. Remember to apply
and adapt to your client’s home and situation.

Do all that can be done to improve the appeal of the house. Buyers want homes that have
no visible deferred maintenance and includes the most updated appliances and
conveniences, so entice them with purposeful renovation.