Melody Kilbank

If you have a home that is overdue for a renovation, you might be worried that it will be difficult to sell as a “fixer-upper”. In fact, you might delay listing your property for that reason.

The good news is, you don’t need to fix up everything in your home to prepare it for sale. You can be selective and choose only those projects that are most likely to help your home show well and sell quickly.

Here are some projects to consider:

• Repairs. Few things stand out more during a viewing than something in obvious need of repair. That includes minor issues, like a dripping bathroom faucet, as well as major concerns, such as the central air conditioning unit not working. Get these repairs done.

• Painting. Painting is one of the easiest and most affordable DIY projects you can do. Yet the impact it can have on your home is stunning. Some rooms are completely transformed by a fresh coat of paint.

• Kitchens & Bathrooms. Buyers love to see great looking kitchens and bathrooms. In fact, there are even magazines devoted just to those rooms! You don’t necessarily need to do a major renovation of these spaces, but a makeover can be a good idea. Consider replacing sinks, countertops, and/or cabinet hardware.

• Floors. If the floors in any of your rooms have become worn and unsightly, look at options for refreshing them. Consider replacing carpeting, refinishing hardwood, and/or getting tiles professionally cleaned and polished.

• Outdoors. Sometimes you can compensate (a little) for a less-than-ideal interior by sprucing up the outdoor space. Explore ways to improve your deck or patio, walkways, and landscaping.

Even if your home is older, you can make it more attractive to buyers with any one of these projects.

Want more ideas for finding eager buyers for your home? Give me a call.

At the risk of sounding like Ebeneezer Scrooge, the stats for November are BAH HUMBUG! Every product in every category is down, EXCEPT condos…..can you believe it??

All residential average price is down 2.8% year over year and down 1.1% month over month. There is a strong buyer’s market with 7.2 months of inventory. Single family is down 1.4% Y/Y and 1.6% M/M with 5.8 months of inventory being a balanced position. Condos average price is UP, 4.5% Y/Y and 1.4% M/M however they are in a strong buyers market still at 7.5 months of inventory. Duplex and Rowhouses had a weak month as well, with a drop in average price of 8.9% Y/Y and 4.9% M/M and are sitting in a buyers market at 6.9 months of inventory.

Properties are still moving and it is the best time of the year to buy, as sellers are motivated and there is still sufficient inventory to choose from.

At this time of year, my thoughts go to those who have throughout the years supported my business by trusting me with their residential real estate transactions. Also the many who trust me with their friends and family through referrals. I appreciate ALL of you.

May you have a blessed Christmas and a successful, prosperous next year. Happy New Decade!