On The Market
By Nancy Puder
Reality shows about how to buy and sell real estate are fun to watch and can offer some great tips when buying or selling a property. Typically, these shows will portray a potential homebuyer or a real estate agent walking through someone’s home and making rude (sometimes nice) comments about different features of the property. The seller then shows slight dismay and gets to work to fix up their home so that it will sell.
While I agree that these shows can be insightful and assist homeowners on how to make their home attractive to a potential buyer, I feel that it is also important to remember these are TV shows and designed to keep us entertained. Sellers and buyers should understand that these shows do not represent a blueprint for selling or buying a home. Sensible options can be boring and not really good for entertainment, but they may be the right option for you.
Often, buyers and sellers take these shows a little too seriously. It’s important to understand that not everyone is going to get a remodeled kitchen upon purchase and it really is fine to purchase a home and live in one that has not been remodeled yet.
On the selling side, if your kitchen has not been upgraded and doesn’t have the amenities that your neighbor’s house had when it sold, you probably are not going to get the same price.
My advice is to always work with a Realtor, whether buying or selling, who will help you sort through what your best options are. That same Realtor should help you decide early in the process what your budget limitations are and what your ultimate goal is before getting to work to make it happen.
Buyers who are working on a “ beer budget with champagne taste” will enjoy the buying process more if they choose to be realistic and seek to find a home within their budget. There will be plenty of time to and remodel your home once you are in.
I have been in and sold lots of homes with older kitchens that are cozy and charming. Sometimes it takes a little imagination to make them that way, but it’s not impossible.
The most important thing a seller should do is to present their home as uncluttered and as clean as possible. Consider having it professionally cleaned inside and out. After that cost is factored into the budget, then move on to upgrades if there are funds left to do so. A clean and uncluttered home will sell as fast as a remodeled home in many cases.
If you have questions or concerns about your property, call, text or email me anytime. I always enjoy hearing from you! (805)710-2415
Nancy Puder is a real estate broker with Nancy Puder & Associates, the premier boutique real estate company in Arroyo Grande, CA. Nancy Puder is one of the largest listing brokers on the Central Coast. Call, text or email Nancy with your own questions! For more valuable real estate advice, go to www.nancypuderassociates.com
