Budgeting and Planning for an Upgrade
Anybody who is considering selling their house in the future might be interested in doing some upgrades to the property before they put it on the market. That said, depending on the extent of work that homeowners are willing to undertake, improvements can sometimes end up being costly, so it is important to be realistic when it comes to managing expectations and the budget.
Anything from tweaks to remodels can help property owners net in more for their homes for sale in Green Bay and N.E. Wisconsin but this isn’t always the case, so it is important to be realistic when approaching the planning stage. Regardless, upgrades will often end up making the family feel more comfortable and satisfied for their remaining time in their current house or condo and can go a long way toward helping to ensure homeowners are able to lock down at sale and get the type of price they really want to get for their property.
Of course, certain upgrades may be more necessary than others. This is especially true if the property is in need of repairs. For example, if the pipes in the bathroom are leaking or damaged and will need to be dug up and replaced, it usually makes sense to remodel the bathroom at the same time, or at least replace some of the most outdated features.
Obviously, the most practical way to pay for renovations, remodels, or upgrades is with money that is already on hand. More minor renovations can always be put on a credit card account as well. However, this is really only advisable if homeowners actually have the means to pay the balance off in a short time period. Having to worry about high-interest rates will definitely put a dent in any plans to net extra cash for an upgrade. Otherwise, homeowners might also want to consider the financial viability of taking out a home equity loan or personal loan to finance their upgrades. A cash-out refinancing plan can be another viable option, and tends to be a popular way to pay for upgrades.
How to Prioritize Upgrades on a House or Condo
First Impressions Count
Looks aren’t everything, but when it comes to selling real estate in Green Bay and N.E. Wisconsin, visual appeal can really go a long way toward helping homeowners lock down the type of deal they really want. Here’s the thing, first impressions really do matter, and it is important for sellers to make a strong impression in terms of the spaces that buyers are likely to see first.
This is why people who are budgeting for an upgrade definitely want to try to focus on those areas that potential buyers are likely to scope when the initially view the place. Of course, if there is room in the budget to give the master bedroom or the basement area a sprucing up, then go for it, but there are definitely some areas of the house that factor in more than others in terms of making a strong impression.
So what are the most important aspects to focus on when it comes to budgeting and prioritizing upgrades?
Curb Appeal and Landscaping
First things first, any landscaping that is already in place absolutely needs to be looking good. This might mean having to break out those gardening gloves or heading to the local greenhouse to pick up some extra flowers to fill those beds. Make sure the yard area is totally free and clear from toys, pet waste, and pick up some grass fertilizer to tend to all those yellow spots.
It can also be worthwhile to add some new features like flower beds, plant walls, or even a new fence. Patio furniture can also be a great staging props, just make sure everything is in good condition. If it is financially viable to make that front and backyard area look great, why not entice potential buyers with the prospect of a trendy outdoor lifestyle.
Picking up some planters to place around the entrance can be an easy way to boost curb appeal on a budget, as can a fresh coat of exterior paint. This is also a good time to make sure the roof is in good condition and replace any missing or damaged shingles. For a quick fix, try painting the front door a stand-out color like red or black.
The Kitchen and Bathroom Areas
Once the outdoor area is in good shape, the next order of business should be the kitchen and main bathroom areas. Green Bay and N.E. Wisconsin real estate buyers are likely to be turned off by the idea of having to redo rooms that are so essential just to get the place move-in ready, and they certainly will not want to move into a house that looks outdated.
That said, there is no reason to throw out everything but the kitchen sink, so to speak. Basic remodels actually tend to net more of the value invested back in a sale than more extensive remodels do, so unless the family is really wanting a full re-do while they wait to sell, there is nothing wrong with sticking to the points that are most pressing.
Keep in mind that professional realtors in Green Bay and N.E. Wisconsin are typically well-equipped to make helpful suggestions as to those aspects that should be first in line for an overhaul, so don’t be afraid to ask!
Shoot for Low Maintenance and High Efficiency
If homebuyers are on the fence, noticing that the furnace is out of date or that the hot water heater will soon be due for an upgrade could send them on the search for more well-maintained options in terms of real estate in Green Bay and N.E. Wisconsin. This is why it can be a good idea for sellers to shell out for any soon-to-be-needed upgrades on the basics before they put the house on the market.
Another thing to keep in mind is the relative efficiency levels of the existing appliances. Even if that old dishwasher still works great, replacing it out for a more energy-efficient model will help buyers cut costs. After all, most people won’t be too eager to shell out extra for their energy bills after making a major purchase like a house, and having energy-efficient appliances already in place can drum up major brownie points in that respect.