Thinking about selling your house? Well, there are buyers out there ready to pay top dollar, but they’re looking for homes that are move-in ready. As Redfin put it:

“Buyers are still out there and they’re willing to pay today’s high prices, but only if the house is in really good shape. They don’t want to spend extra money on paint or new appliances.”

Makes sense, right? With the high costs of homes these days, buyers don’t want to shell out even more cash for upgrades after they move in. So, if your place is a bit outdated or in need of some TLC, you might find buyers either passing it up or offering less than you hoped for.

Right now, a lot of homes are hitting that stage where they need some love. Many are between 20 and 39 years old, which means they’re due for some updates. According to John Burns Research and Consulting (JBRC), there’s a growing number of homes that fall into this “remodel zone.”

If your home is one of them, it might be time to consider some selective updates to help it stand out and sell faster. But where should you focus your efforts and budget?

Why a Real Estate Agent Is Your Best Friend

This is where teaming up with a local real estate agent can really pay off. Not every upgrade will give you the return you’re looking for, so you’ve got to be smart about where you spend your money. Bankrate breaks it down like this:

“Before you spend money on costly upgrades, be sure the changes you make will have a high return on investment. It doesn’t make sense to install new granite countertops, for example, if you only stand to break even on them, or even lose money.”

A good local agent knows what buyers in your area want and can help you figure out what’s worth doing. They’ll guide you on which changes will make your house more appealing and valuable, so you don’t end up spending on stuff that won’t boost your bottom line.

Wrapping It Up

Selling your house today isn’t just about sticking a For Sale sign in the yard. To attract buyers who are willing to pay those high prices, you’ve got to make sure your home is in tip-top shape.

By making smart improvements, you’ll be setting yourself up for a faster sale and a better return on your investment. Let’s team up and get your house ready to wow those buyers!