5 Effective Improvements for Selling and Features That Turn Off Potential Buyers

Jay Primrose Properties • July 14, 2023

Thinking about upgrading and preparing your property for sale can be intimidating. All those minor fixes you were happy to put off for another day (or year) may appear to a buyer as major issues once your property is on the market. So, what should you do? Option one is to hope you find a buyer who sees your home for what it may be rather than what it is. 


Option two is to invest some money and time in a few repairs that will help your home sell faster. Although the latter choice may appear to be more difficult, it can result in significant savings: over a quarter of sellers who make home improvements sell their home for more than the asking price. Here are the five best improvements for selling your home to a we buy houses Tacoma company.

Kitchen

John Gluch, owner at Gluch Group, states that bedrooms and living rooms often get a pass if they’re not up to par for today’s style standards, but kitchens are a different story. “If your kitchen is out of date and needs new appliances, tile, countertops, cabinets and more, then buyers take stock,” he says. “Most times, they realize it’s too big of an expense to commit to and it changes their mind completely, even if they love the rest of the home. One reason why buyers get hung up on outdated kitchens [is] because a kitchen is a huge investment. 


It costs a lot to renovate a kitchen and it’s a big, big job.(1) Therefore, before you put your home on the market, make some improvements, like adding a kitchen island if you don’t have one. This will add more counter and storage space to your kitchen. You can also improve, paint or replace your kitchen cabinets and upgrade any outdated appliances. 

Moreover, you can give your kitchen a brighter look by replacing your countertops. All these upgrades will attract multiple buyers, ensuring your home isn’t on the market for long.

Bathroom

A mid-range bathroom makeover using natural stone for counters instead of high-end quartz provides a terrific return on investment. An old-looking bathroom can really date a home. A few profitable bathroom improvements include; new countertops, tiling, frameless glass doors, cabinets, and sink and tub fixtures. When replacing cabinets, keep in mind that simplicity is better. 



Utilize neutral colors, don’t add designs or raised panels.

Painting

Painting is the lowest cost enhancement with the highest rate of return. When trying to sell, a fresh coat of neutral paint can give the entire property a facelift, and we buy houses Tacoma, WA companies prefer to see a fresh blank canvas. You can get color recommendations from a trained professional. 

Landscaping

When a we buy houses in Tacoma company pulls up to your house, the outside is their first impression. An overgrown yard can be a deal breaker. Anything dead should be removed, and anything overgrown should be pruned. You can revitalize and green up the lawn by re-sodding or planting grass seed. 


You can also do edging to help delineate sections. You can also add fresh mulch or straw in all beds to make your house feel much more finished and inviting.

Flooring

Most homeowners upgrade their homes by replacing carpets or repairing flooring. If you have a lot of rooms with different types of flooring, you may want to invest in new flooring for all of them to create a consistent look throughout the house. Wood flooring, or even faux-wood floors, is preferable to carpeting, even if they are more expensive. Fresh carpeting is still a significant selling element if you cannot afford to convert to wood. 



And, as with painting walls, a decent neutral color is ideal.

Features That Turn Off Buyers

Buyers can be fickle and refuse to purchase your house because it doesn’t fit every point on their dream home checklist. You should note that not every home for sale will suit every buyer’s needs. Below are the basic mistakes that may turn off potential buyers when selling a home. 

Apparent Eyesores

Your outdoor above-ground pool may have given hours of entertainment for your family over the years. However, it is an eyesore to a potential buyer. In some situations, selling a house with a pool can be challenging. Some cash home buyers in Tacoma simply do not want to cope with the upkeep of owning a pool. 



Remove old, damaged patio furniture and the rusted-out lawn mower, and clean up the dog’s messes. Remove and replace broken window shades and blinds within the home. Remember to remove fingerprints from all doors, glass, and mirrored surfaces.

Too Much Clutter and Mess

Keeping your property clean and neat is critical while attempting to find a buyer. Untidy or crowded spaces make it difficult for individuals to imagine themselves living in them. Dirty rooms, appliances, or furniture cast suspicion on how well the house has been maintained. It’s a good idea to declutter and get rid of any unwanted belongings before putting your house on the market. 



The extra benefit is that you’ll have less stuff to try to keep clean. Do you despise cleaning? If your house receives a lot of interest, it can be difficult to keep up with the cleaning and tidying before each viewing. This is where hiring a professional cleaner can come in handy.

Roof Replacement

Imagine falling in love with a home only to discover it requires a new roof. Given that this project typically costs between $5,500 and $10,600, it’s no wonder that 40% of home purchasers would pass. Roof replacement is not only one of the most expensive home repairs, but it is also a requirement. Roof repairs are at the top of the list of appraisal-required repairs.


Furthermore, many mortgage lenders require that a roof be at least three years old before granting a loan. The frequency you must repair your roof varies according to the material and climate. However, many homeowners must replace their roofs every 12-20 years. Even if you haven’t lived in your current residence for that long, it’s possible that the previous owner left you with a deteriorating roof.

Give us a call anytime at 253-697-0007 or fill out this quick form to get started today!

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About the author

Justin Baker

Justin Baker is the founder of Jay Primrose Properties, a leading cash home buying company based in Tacoma, WA. With a passion for real estate investing, Justin has helped numerous homeowners in the Pacific Northwest region sell their homes quickly and hassle-free. Justin believes that buying and selling real estate should be a seamless process and works tirelessly to ensure that his clients have a stress-free experience. With a deep understanding of the local real estate market and a commitment to exceptional customer service, Justin has established himself as a trusted and reliable cash home buyer in Tacoma and the surrounding areas.

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