Should I Update Before Selling?

Well, here we are. We are nearing the latter part of summer and the market is still going strong. Historically, we have noticed a slight slow down near the middle of July, and the market picks back up in September, but we are in a whole new world where real estate is concerned! With interest rates dipping lower and lower, prices inching higher and higher, and buyers jumping in at all price points, we have found a “new normal” yet again. The “new normal” is that the real estate market just keeps moving (no pun intended…).
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According to our Twin Cities sales data, June sales were up 6% from this time last year and new listings are still not keeping up with demand.
This begs the question from many of our sellers: Do I have to (or should I) update a few things before hitting the market?

Answer: It depends (I know you love that answer!). One of the first questions we should answer in evaluating your specific situation is: “What are your goals?” If you are looking to net top dollar and are not bothered by a few to-do’s prior to listing, you will find that even small improvements will net you more money than the dollars you put into them, once you receive offer(s). And never fear! We have contractors and stagers that can help!

On the other hand, if you are looking to have a quick, low involvement sale and really would prefer to do NO improvement prior to listing, this is the market to do it in. With the low number of homes for sale, you have very good odds of selling well and netting a good sales price. Note, that this is a good sale price, not top dollar.

So, the question is really yours to answer and we can help advise you as you answer it. Many of our clients choose us because we are happy to come and discuss the implications of a few improvements versus no improvements where their listing is concerned. Which improvements will get us the best return/result when we list? Is it worthwhile to replace carpet now or offer an allowance? Should we repaint or leave it? Lots of questions, and we have answers. Give us a call and we are happy to help!

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