Thinking of selling your South Lake Tahoe real estate in 2017? If so, you are probably researching a variety of topics, like all the different steps it takes to prep your home or what you can do to get the most money at resale. You may even be feeling overwhelmed by the influx of information you are getting. We are here to help! We have discussed in previous blogs what you should be doing, this time we are going to cover what you should not be doing.
Don’t Overdo it with the Upgrades
One of the biggest myths in regards to selling South Lake Tahoe real estate is that making big upgrades will be paid back in full at the time of resale. Unfortunately, that is rarely the case. Yes, if your kitchen hasn’t been updated since the 1970’s, you will get more money if you replace the counters, cabinets and olive green kitchen appliances. Will you get back the amount you spent and then some? No. On average, sellers usually get about 64% of the money they spent on renovations at the time of resale. As always, there are certain upgrades that get more money back than others. Shockingly, they are typically not from the lavish features such as a custom swimming pool or the $30,000 kitchen renovation. Usually, they are something as simple as new paint, a new garage door or features that make your home more environment friendly. Before you spend your life savings on spendy home improvements thinking you will get it back tenfold, be sure to do your research.
Not Getting Permits for those upgrades
Speaking of renovation projects, do not skip the permit process. Yes, it is a pain. But so is losing a buyer because your home is not up to code.
Don’t forget the curb appeal!
You know what they say about first impressions and buying a home for sale in South Lake Tahoe is no exception. When it comes to figuring out where to allocate funds to spruce up your South Lake Tahoe real estate, don’t forget the exterior. Make sure the walk ways are cleared, mail box is in good condition, dead leaves and twigs are nowhere to be seen, the yard is mowed and shrubs and plants are trimmed. You don’t need a full rose garden and custom landscaping job to impress a potential buyer but your home should appear well kept from the street.
Don’t Limit Showing Times
Be flexible! Just like you don’t want to leave your house after a long day at work, buyers likely don’t want to be touring homes for sale in South Lake Tahoe. However, due to work and school schedules, this could be their only window. Stay flexible if you want to sell in a timely manner, otherwise you could be sitting on the market a while.
Don’t Limit Your Marketing
Speaking of limiting visibility, don’t choose a Realtor who only chooses one avenue to market your listing. Whether it is a post card or open houses, a South Lake Tahoe Realtor’s marketing campaign should be multi-faceted. Yes, open houses are fabulous but in today’s technology loving world, you need to make sure your properties are available online. You also want to make sure you pick a Realtor who has a strong virtual marketing campaign in addition to one that reaches their local sphere.
Don’t Tune Out Your Agent’s Advice
While you may know more about your home for sale in South Lake Tahoe, your South Lake Tahoe Realtor knows how to sell it. Usually, a Realtor has advice that most sellers don’t like to hear. However, when you ignore their advice you risk your home sitting on the market for an extended period of time. When they give pricing options, they are doing so based on actual comparable properties that have sold. When they make some repair suggestions, do it. When they ask you to clear out some personal items, break out the boxes. They are only giving you advice that benefits you in the long run.
For more information on buying or selling South Lake Tahoe real estate, give us a call. One of our qualified Lake Tahoe realtors would be happy to guide you through the real estate process.
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