Think Ahead…And This Week’s Closed Sales

You may not be thinking of selling your home right now, but how about 1-3 years from now? Many times our “house plan” is connected to other life-events such as retirement, children’s graduations and school move-ups, or a career change.  If you have a long-range goal there are a few ways you can prepare for that sooner rather than later, which will make it much more affordable, and not so overwhelming.

One of the major considerations is the many systems in your home.  These are all of big importance to buyers and the age and condition of the HVAC Air Conditioner/Furnace, Hot Water Heater and roofing or insulation will be noted on any Home inspection that is done and can affect the price you may finally receive.  Have a qualified professional take a look at these items and if replacement is called for consider having it done, often there are programs with the utility companies that can spread the cost out over time and you can get tax credits in some instances. If all is well then just stay on a good maintenance program.

Next take a look around your kitchen and baths, which are the most-often rooms commented on by Buyers. Consider what you could do to improve them to make them more “sellable” and for a higher price. How outdated or worn out are the plumbing fixtures? Bathroom tiles? Kitchen appliances?  What is the condition of your grout and caulk?  Although these items may be in working order, most buyers will respond more positively to your home and find it of greater value when these are up to date in a current style. That doesn’t mean you need to go all out trendy or spend a fortune-simple replacements of faucets, counter tops and toilets can freshen up the look and not put you in major debt.  And look for good appliance sales to start replacing them one by one, do the built-ins first, not the fridge.

Lastly flooring and walls should be checked out.  Popular hard surface flooring such as wood, laminate and tile will help you command a better selling price.  Get it professionally installed. If you have worn carpet, vinyl flooring or any damaged surfaces replacing them with a more popular choice will pay off.  If that’s simply not affordable for you then consider a reasonably priced quality carpet, newer/new is still going to make a big impression.  Several times a year there are some great deals on multi-room installations so keep your eye out for a great deal and make a move when the price is good.  

Remove any wallpaper and decorative borders and repaint. Although many designers are once again showing wallpaper as a trend, the chances of that paper matching a new owners décor is very slim. Paint in neutrals! Yes it may be more boring to you but it will pay off when you market the house. Today’s paint will hold up with minor cleaning for much longer than 3 years. Make sure you keep some leftover paint or the color formula from the lid, you can get more paint mixed and just do touch ups later.

Consider landscaping and decking or exterior needs. Keep in mind that these items can only be done at certain times of year so plan ahead so they are also ready.

It sounds like a lot to do, doesn’t it? Well that’s why spreading it out over time makes so much sense!  And when you do go to market with your home you will be way ahead of the game and the competition. Plus you get to enjoy the improvements while you are still living there.

But don’t get me wrong; all homes in every state and condition will eventually sell when priced properly.  You can always choose to adjust the price…but who wants to do that?

A Real Estate professional can help to guide you on what changes to your home will yield the most value, call one for a Pre-Sale consultation.

Pat Linde-Neidermeyer, Veltri Realtors

Email me: PatatVeltri@Gmail.com

Call me: 732-598-8348
www.VeltriRealtors.com

Now Here are this Week’s Closed Sales for your area.

FARMINGADALE

2 Anthony Way,  $490,000

Freehold Twsp

57 Irwin Ave,   $350,000

HOWELL

95 Seattle Slew Dr,  $60,000; 125 Lewis St,  $195,000

20 Mouse Creek Ct,  $282,000; 5 Newport Dr,  $320,000

1112 Lakewood Farmingdale Rd,  $325,000; 508 Newtons Corner Rd,  $340,000

6 Dutch Valley Rd,  $365,000

JACKSON

18 Lakeview Dr,  $110,000; 66 Lakeside Ave,  $239,500

60 Forest Dr,  $252,500; 11 Wisconsin Dr,  $335,000

10 Olivia Way,  $368,000

 All closed sale prices listed are as submitted and recorded by the Monmouth Multiple Listing Service.  Not responsible for typographical errors.