Your Treasure Coast Home

I have walked through hundreds of homes with prospective buyers and heard 10 times as many conversations about seller oversight that ends up being a deal-breaker.  Once a buyer gets a negative feeling in your home, the most difficult thing to do is turn it back around.  With so many homes on the market, you have to think like a buyer to set yours apart. Remember that buyers are seeing a lot of distressed properties at bargain prices.  A properly cared for home can be a breath of fresh air. It will make all the difference, and a sale.

10. Light Bulbs That Work

Very simply, make sure every light bulb in your house works.  A good tip is to have all of your lights on when the house is shown.  If lights are not on, you can bet that the buyer will flip every switch.  Which leads me to the next tip:

9. Update Light Switches and Outlet Covers

This is a cheap and easy way to make an older home feel more current.  Clean updated switch and outlet covers may not be immediately noticeable to a buyer, but they will definitely notice an outdated, dingy one.  If any re-wiring is necessary, use a licensed electrician to make sure you comply with current electrical codes.

8. Matching Appliances

Mismatched appliances stick out like a sore thumb.  They should all have the same finish, whether it’s white, black, stainless, or otherwise.  Another great touch is to have all one brand.

I heard from a seller who had a white dishwasher in a kitchen with black appliances.  The dishwasher was relatively new, so she called the manufacturer to see if she could purchase a black face-panel.  The manufacturer clued her in on a big secret: most face-panels are white on one side and black on the other!  She removed two screws and flipped the face-panel and had a cohesive kitchen that the buyers could appreciate!

7. Hurricane Shutters

Every buyer that was on the Treasure Coast during our hurricane years of 2004 and 2005, will be looking for this feature.  Plus it is a major consideration on the home insurance wind mitigation form.  People are starting to catch on that it will save them big money in the long run, plus give them peace of mind.

6. Replace windows

If you have old, outdated windows, consider giving your home and updated look with new ones.  Buyers are more energy-conscious.  They are looking for double-pane windows that will more effectively insulate the house and save on energy expenses.  Another great touch is impact glass.  Proper impact windows can even remove the need for hurricane shutters!

5. A Well-Appointed Master Suite

This is a no-brainer. Evaluate your closet space.  Many buyers are even looking for his and her, seperate, walk-in closets!  Also, make sure the master bath is clean and updated.  Dual vanities are a plus.

4. Updated Bathrooms

The standard rule is that a bathroom over 25 years old should be updated, but i would go a step farther and say that there is some mandatory updating in any bathroom older than 10 years.  Make sure tile and grout are clean, fixtures are updated and match, and that the counter surfaces are up-to-date.

3. Updated Kitchens

The same applies to kitchens. Most families will tell you that they spend most of their time at home, in the kitchen.  This is a big opportunity to hook a buyer.  Consider your countertops, backsplash, cabinets, and appliances.  It doesn’t have to be expensive, sometimes all you have to do is paint your cabinets and change the hardware.  Also, big sinks SELL.

2. Curb Appeal

This is a biggie.  I would say that more than 50% of buyers will drive by a house before they contact a Realtor.  A decision can be made at 25 miles per hour!  Take this chance to let the house sell itself.  Landscaping and exterior paint are the big ticket items here, but it can be much simpler.  Sometimes just painting your front door, or pressure-cleaning your walkway will make all of the difference!  According to Bankrate.com, curb appeal is responsible for 5-10% of your home’s value.  Make it count!

1. Maximize Outdoor Living

In Florida, this is the numero uno bang for your buck.  I have heard more gasps, and seen more fuzzy feelings on porches and decks than in nurseries!  The outdoor living is one of the reasons that people live in Florida.  We have a great year-round climate and, in the summertime, it stays light long after 8 pm (not that you have to come in at dark, use lighting to your advantage as well)!  Create a safe and comfortable outdoor environment for families and pets and you will be rewarded.

There is a lot of compeition out there when you are trying to sell your home.  Your home must be better than the rest.  I urge you to walk through your home as a buyer. You may not think that spending a few thousand dollars on your home, pre-sale, is worth it, but think about how quickly you want to sell it.  The quicker you sell it, you save in mortgage payment, property taxes, insurance, as well as dropping your price.  Taking these items into consideration will help make the sale of your home a positive experience for both seller and buyer.