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How to Sell a House That Needs Repairs
Well, it looks like it’s almost summertime, and you know what that means: time to get started on any needed repairs on your home. Repairs are especially important if you’re planning on selling your home in the near future. . So, how DO you sell a house that needs repairs?
Start by Getting the House Inspected
If your house is in disrepair, start by getting a home inspection before selling. Of course this will be an added expense, but it’s the first step toward giving buyers a sense of the worth of your home. It also shows buyers that you are motivated and ready to move, which is important in the quick turn-around of the Houston housing market.
Additionally, providing information for buyers regarding the needed repairs and the repairs will ensure that offers you receive are from committed buyers. It will also prevent frustration that they might face if they get their own inspection done without being prepared with an accurate idea of what is needed.
Browsing some of the photos on HAR or the MLS will give you a great idea on how your house compares in the general market. While most of the houses listed will have beautiful photos, often taken by professionals, you will also find several examples of houses that are unsightly
Clean the Clutter and Stage Your House
It won’t take much work to get the house ready initially. Clean the clutter one room at a time. Check out Pinterest for some organization ideas and minor DIY decorating ideas. De-cluttering and creating space will greatly improve the quality of your photos and your showings when people start visiting.
Adding a flower arrangement (real or fake!) or two will help brighten rooms, and make sure to have as much natural light in each room as possible. Never leave the curtains closed – dark and dingy rooms do not look good on camera!
High Quality Photography
Is it important to take professional photos of your house? The answer is, not necessarily…but it sure can help.
Take some time to browse the houses for sale in your neighborhood on Har.com or another home listing site. What houses appealed to you? What impression and feelings did you get from small, blurry photos? Did you get a better feeling from the photos that were colorful and depicted a clean space? I know it seems like a big expense, but having photos that depict your home in the most appealing way WILL encourage more people to see your house.
One big difference I’ve seen in professional photos versus photos that homeowners and agents take is that professional photographers can use a wider angle that makes rooms looks a little larger. The photos can capture more of the room in one shot, and this can be very impressive, even for smaller spaces. Professional photographers can also do minor edits to help brighten or saturate photos to bring out the best in your home’s natural characteristics.
Do you have questions regarding selling a house that is unsightly or in need of repairs? Contact us now.
