Is Your Home Worth Less Than You Originally Paid for It?

by Barbara Andrews 12/03/2018

Let's face it – determining how to price a home is rarely simple for a seller. In some instances, your home may be worth less than you originally paid for it.

Ultimately, if you failed to maintain your house over the years, various home problems may crop up when you decide to list your residence. If these issues go unaddressed, it may be tough for you to maximize your house sale earnings.

With the right approach to preparing your house for the real estate market, you could upgrade your residence in no time at all. Now, let's take a look at three tips to help you improve your residence and ensure you can obtain the optimal price for your house.

1. Enhance Your Home's Curb Appeal

How your residence looks in the eyes of potential buyers is key. Because if a buyer falls in love with your house the moment he or she sees it for the first time, you could benefit from a fast, profitable house selling experience.

Improving your home's curb appeal can be quick and simple. For instance, mowing the lawn and trimming the hedges can help you transform an ordinary front lawn into a pristine one. And if you have any damaged or cracked home siding, you should repair it as well.

2. Upgrade Your House's Interior

Ensure your home's heating and cooling system and other internal systems are working properly. If you find there are issues with any of these systems, contact a professional to repair them.

Don't forget to clear clutter from your house, too. If you find your home is filled with assorted knick-knacks and items you no longer need, you can sell these items. Or, you can always donate the items you no longer need to a local charity or give them to family members or friends.

If you maintain a neat, tidy house, buyers are sure to be impressed as soon as they walk through your front door.

3. Conduct a Home Inspection and Appraisal

A home inspection usually is completed before a buyer finalizes their house purchase. Yet a seller who conducts an inspection may identify myriad house problems. They can then take steps to address such issues before listing his or her residence.

Additionally, a home appraisal may be crucial for a seller. During an appraisal, a property expert will examine a home and offer a property valuation. Next, a seller can use this valuation to determine how to price their house.

As you get set to add your home to the real estate market, you also may want to hire a real estate agent. This housing market professional will craft a custom home selling strategy for you. Plus, he or she will do whatever it takes to help you achieve your desired house selling results.

Ready to list your home? Take advantage of these tips, and you may be able to obtain an offer to purchase that matches or exceeds what you originally paid for your house.

About the Author
Author

Barbara Andrews

Hi, I'm Barbara Andrews and I'd love to assist you. Whether you're in the research phase at the beginning of your real estate search or you know exactly what you're looking for, you'll benefit from having a real estate professional by your side. I'd be honored to put my real estate experience to work for you.