Navigating the murky waters of today’s real estate market is often a challenging endeavor for sellers. In such a buyer’s market it’s hard to know where to spend and where to stand your ground. So what improvements should you make now in order to expedite a possible sale and which ones could be saved for the next owner?

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Much of the answer to this question depends on your respective market. Individual markets and neighborhoods often see their own little trends, such as a sudden interest in granite countertops or sprawling decks. By consulting a REALTOR® or visiting open houses in your neighborhood you can get a good feel for what improvements are absolutely necessary in order to compete in your market. To find an agent in your area visit Realtor.com.

Next, you might turn a judgmental eye on your own home. This can be difficult as your property is your castle and we tend to be somewhat emotional about our castles. Do your best in spite of this fact to be objective. Be on the lookout for idiosyncrasies in your home. For instance, you might have updated your home’s baths and décor but neglected your kitchen which still sports Formica countertops.

Bringing all of the rooms of your home up to date in the same fashion will help buyers to feel a sense of solidarity about the property, perhaps even a sense of stability in the fact that they won’t have to completely re-do any one space before they can begin enjoying the home. At the very least, it will give you a leg up against a competing property with a similar price and features. And by making the right repairs you can expect to see some return on your investment. Click here for more information on kitchen repairs that won’t bust your budget.

Preparing your home for re-sale means more than a little cleaning and sticking a sign in your front yard. In order to truly compete with surrounding comparable listings you’ll need to be sure that your property is updated and maintained to keep up with the trends of the market and neighborhood.

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Alicia Murphy

Alicia Murphy is a licensed real estate agent. My freelance writing career began simultaneously with my Real Estate career in 2010.As a Realtor I’ve worked primarily with buyers in finding themtheir dream home and have experience in foreclosure sales, but I've also represented sellers in marketing and selling their homes. As we await the bolstering return of the Real Estate market I will continue to adapt to ever-changing conditions and continue to provide first-rate service to my clients.

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