Few life changes are as daunting and monumental as selling your house. It’s the place you’ve called home for so long, and moving on can feel bittersweet. And the emotional impact is only a small part of the equation. 

As you think of the endless list of things to do to get your home ready for the market, you may want to pull down the curtains and hide under a blanket. Is there a way to make this process easier and less stressful? 

You already know that going all out and renovating your home can help you maximize your bottom-line results. But what if you can’t, don’t have time or just don’t want the hassle? Fortunately, a major overhaul isn’t always necessary for everyone. If you prefer a more stress-free selling experience, you may forgo the total transformation and instead focus on the little things.

Reconsider Your Priorities

Everyone in the industry talks about the importance of preparing and making minor repairs to your home before listing it on the market. Presentation is everything, and that’s why many homeowners spare no effort to earn the highest amount possible.  

However, each renovation and update also has a cost, both financially and in terms of time and stress. Only you can decide if that investment is worth it in your situation. These days, some sellers are prioritizing their peace of mind over their bottom line and forgoing the massive projects that used to be a given.

Deciding whether that path is right for you may come down to your finances. If you absolutely cannot afford to leave anything on the table, then certain upgrades may not be optional.

On the other hand, if you’ve built up enough equity to comfortably take your next step even if you earn a little less, selling as-is can be a much more positive experience. Even so, there are still many small steps you can take to help you get the best results even if you decide against renovations.

Are you facing any special challenges when selling your home? The resources below might help:

• Can You Successfully Sell a House With a Stigma?
• How to Sell Your Home After a Divorce
• Can You Sell a House When You Have Tenants?

Is the Market on Your Side?

Your decision to upgrade your home could also depend on the current real estate trends in your area. In a high-demand market where houses get snapped up quickly, selling as-is won’t often be a problem.

When the market is slow, you’ll need to be more strategic in your approach. Buyers have options and are taking their time before submitting their offers. In this case, you will need to try a little harder to make your home appealing. 

The good news is that a total, top-to-bottom renovation is still unlikely necessary. You will be surprised at what you can accomplish with meticulous cleaning and a coat of fresh paint! Plus, many buyers like to make their own decisions about upgrades, so you can safely take those stressful projects off your to-do list. A local real estate agent familiar with the current trends can help you get the most out of your sale for the least amount of effort.

Consider Delegating the Task

You may not have the time to upgrade your home for the market, but that doesn’t mean someone else can’t do it for you. Many real estate teams come with a long list of contacts and reputable tradespeople who can handle everything, even the decluttering. 

• If you can’t or don’t want to paint, a professional will take care of it.
• If you don’t have the expertise to design and implement a new kitchen or bathroom, a contractor could do it for you.
• If you want help to earn the most from your sale, a licensed expert is just a phone call away. 

Hiring professionals will require an upfront investment, but these will likely pay off once your sale closes. All the same, not everyone wants to live in a construction zone while all of these improvements take place, and renovations take time. 

Another consideration is the condition your house is already in. If it’s relatively new or you’ve maintained it well, it probably doesn’t much attention before hitting the market. After weighing your options, you can make an informed decision about whether it’s worth it to list your home as-is.

Minor Details for the Win

So you’ve decided against ripping out the floors and overhauling the kitchen. However, you can still attend to the many small details that will help create an impactful first impression on anyone who walks through your home. 

• Clean and declutter each room as thoroughly as possible. This eliminates all distractions and helps a buyer visualize living in your home.
• Replace family photos with impersonal artwork and other tasteful decor items.
• Arrange your furniture to maximize the amount of natural light in your home. Replacing dark curtains with translucent sheers can also help!
• Consider staging your home to create the ultimate blank canvas that inspires your buyer’s imagination.

Staging has been shown to help houses sell faster and for more, which is why we provide this service for all clients. Learn more in The Power of Staging When Selling Your Home.

Want to know more about what happens behind the scenes when selling a home? The posts below will give you some ideas:

• What Offer Should You Accept?
• Should You Use the Same Agent to Sell and Buy a House?
• Our Full-Service Real Estate Team’s Guide to Marketing Your Home

Promotion Matters More

If you choose not to upgrade your home, you can offset any potential disadvantages by implementing a targeted and extensive marketing campaign. Your real estate agent will help by identifying your most likely buyer. For example, perhaps there is an investor looking to expand their portfolio or a handyperson who would be thrilled to mould your home into their vision.

Once you know who you are targeting, your agent will advertise online and offline through printed materials and professional photography to capture the interest of as many potential buyers as possible.

Renovations or no renovations, an effective strategy can still help you enjoy a seamless and successful sale to allow the next chapter of your life to unfold.

Do you want more guidance on whether to upgrade your home or sell as-is? Reach out today or call (905) 332-9223 and we are happy to answer your questions.