Which jobs should I do before selling?

MiM

I'd like to move towards selling my house, a three-bed, bay-fronted victorian terrace in a pleasant area. There are quite a few things need doing and I could afford most if required, but don't want to waste money if it's not really going to help. Can anyone advise which, if any, of these jobs I should do?

1. Front needs painting and windows are original and in need of some attention, ie wood is flaking. Not really inerested in double glazing but considering renovation.

2. Old gas fire and somewhat dated 80s fireplace in living room.

3. Past its best (slightly grubby even) hall, stairs and landing carpet. Won;t buy cream again if I do change it.

4. Fitted kitched, nice Karndean floor but dated units. New doors? Start again? New oven and hob also needed.

5. External door to yard from dining room is knackered and doesn't open. Non-standard size so not easy to replace.

6. Lean-to utility room is very shabby with asbestos sheet roof.

7. Some parts of house could do with a bit of general decorating but not too bad.

I'm not at all practical so would have to pay to have most things done.

Any tips, advice and experience much appreciated.

newmoney_3

Hi,

Not really qualified to say too much, but my view is that unless it will improve the value of the home / improve its appeal to buyers then don't do it.

I have just bought a house and was more interested in the building and structure as this cannot be replaced easily. Items like the kitchen I did look at as this can be expensive to replace and considered how much work I would need to do to make the place decent.

Personally I would make it look tidy and clean and do minor repairs to improve the property, but be willing to take a slight hit on the asking price if the potential buyer highlights a key area that concerns them, or possibly reduce the price slightly because limited work needs to be done. This all depends on how bad / attractive the property is. Main concern is to get interest in to view the property and make an offer, which they will not if it is terrible or needs too much work.

Anyway, hope that helps.

clutton_2

if you set the price at a realistic level and advertise it as "in need of cosmetic improvement" you will probably have a lot of interest from FTBers who cannot afford much, and from builders who want a "project" etc

sophistica

I did everything to mine before I sold it - new decorating, new appliances, new flooring and carpets...I didn't sell it (I am in a hurry and decided to rent it out) but I think it all helps.

suki1964

Personally I would give the windows a once over - fill and paint - and replace the back door then just make sure the rest is clean and tidy - hire a carpet cleaner if need be

If the house is in need of modernisation then you would be better off selling it as such at a price that reflects that - and it doesnt have to be a lot lower then houses that are perfect if the house is in the right area. A lower price will get more people viewing and the work you have described is do-able as DIY by the right couple.

The lean-to roof shouldnt be a problem unless its damaged. It will show up in surveys as needing replacing but its not an immediate job if its intact

Tassotti

MiM wrote:

1. Front needs painting and windows are original and in need of some attention, ie wood is flaking. Not really inerested in double glazing but considering renovation.

2. Old gas fire and somewhat dated 80s fireplace in living room.

3. Past its best (slightly grubby even) hall, stairs and landing carpet. Won;t buy cream again if I do change it.

4. Fitted kitched, nice Karndean floor but dated units. New doors? Start again? New oven and hob also needed.

5. External door to yard from dining room is knackered and doesn't open. Non-standard size so not easy to replace.

6. Lean-to utility room is very shabby with asbestos sheet roof.

7. Some parts of house could do with a bit of general decorating but not too bad.

Ever considered a career in sales?

Wouldn't it be great to see this list on an estate agents details? :rotfl:

Seriously though, get 3 estate agents to value it in its current condition, and ask what the value would be with all the works done.

Get quotes from local handymen to ascertain the costs for improvement.

Work out the figures and go from there.

I once had valuations done on a property, which had no furniture in. Price seemed low, so I rented furniture and made the place look like a home rather than a house, and got an extra 10K for it.

Buyers can be blind.

lilyann1

I would say anything that looks broken,then repair it.Wouldn't worry too much about the kitchen as most people want to put a new kitchen in wherever they go.
Tidy and clean is all you can do.We had bright colours and it didn't sell so painted them all neutral which people liked alot better.
Other than that just put it on market and see how it goes and see what viewers think.

MiM

Many thanks all. Great advice.

Think I'll do as suggested with windows and then maybe get some valuations and ideas from them.

clairehi

Bear in mind that you have 2 audiences:

1. Buyer

2. Buyer's surveyor.

I would fix the stuff that is def. broken and will stick out a mile to buyer or surveyor- ie door; asbestos roof - which will frighten FTBs.

Go for minimal cost option on other areas.

It does depend though on how desirable your area is and what the competition is like. If you are in the right school catchment, buyers will be more flexible.