Once upon a time, there was a season in the real estate market when homebuyers were salivating at any listing available, regardless of the price and the shape the property was in. Today, buyers are still ready and able to pay the market’s high prices, but they want a home that’s move-in-ready, not a fixer-upper.
Because of the inflation that’s currently overloading our economy, buyers don’t have a lot of extra money to afford upgrades and updates after they move in. And, unfortunately, there are millions of homes out there nowadays entering their prime remodel years between 29 and 30 years old.
If you are thinking of selling, and your home falls into this age gap, fixing up your house before you list it could help sell it faster before buyers move onto a lower priced home – and you can get the best return on investment for your efforts.
What should you focus your time and money on? Here are some ideas …
Curb appeal and home exterior – the first impression for potential buyers:
- Repaint the house or just the doors and make sure any broken siding is replaced.
- Clean the windows
- Refresh the landscaping, mow the lawn, and pull any weeds.
- Power wash the driveway, decks, and sidewalks .
- Tidy up and wash outdoor lighting and garage door.
- Fix the roof and clean out gutters.
- Fix the mailbox and, if address is faded or missing, tidy that up.
- Tidy and fix any broken fencing or railings.
- Replace any torn window screens.

Improve the interior of your home by:
- Cleaning, decluttering, and removing excess furniture
- Making your home more energy-efficient
- Updating your kitchen
- Cleaning rugs and/or carpet
- Staging your home
- Letting the natural light in
- Refining the foyer entryway
- Repainting the walls in main living areas in neutral colors
By working with a local real estate agent expert to be strategic about the improvements you make, you can be sure you’re making a smart investment because not all upgrades are worth the cost. The right agent will know what buyers are looking for and what they are willing to pay for it. Connect with Paige Bird, a successful local real estate agent who will work with you every step of the way. This year marks Paige’s 20th year working in the real estate industry. During her tenure, she assisted more than 2,200 families in their home-buying and selling journeys. Paige is renowned for her extensive experience and commitment to high ethical standards, which uniquely positions her as the go-to agent for those looking to achieve their 2024 real estate goals.
Download the Paige Bird app free in the App Store or Google Play today!
For a free consultation with Paige, contact her today at 843.450.4773.
You can also follow her on Facebook and Instagram for all the latest real estate trends.
