Sometimes a Maryland homeowner will have neglected a home without really realizing it. Many items in the home may be dated and showing normal wear and tear. Unless something is done, the home will not show well and will not command a price that is comparable to other homes in the area on the market. Home owners finding themselves in this situation have several choices to make and their agent can help them with some of the decisions. Ultimately it comes down to how much money they want to spend, how long it will take and how quickly they want to sell their Maryland home.
There are a number of steps that home owners in this situation can consider before making final decisions regarding selling their Maryland home and for how much.
Determine a Repair Budget That You Can Afford
Regardless of what work needs to be completed, most people in Maryland only have so much money to spend. They might even need to obtain a small loan to accomplish some of the repairs that are needed. One calculation that consumers find helpful is to consider what the home is worth as is vs. what it would sell for if it were fixed up. If the difference is greater than what is planned to be spent on repairs and you have the time, repairs and upgrades may be worth the cost.
Consider Putting in Sweat Equity
Once you have a budget set, the next step is to decide what materials you will need and who you will hire to complete the work. Anything that can be accomplished by the home owner in a professional manner will extend the budget further than originally expected. A quality paint job completed by the owner will save money for other items that might involve hiring a tradesman e.g. a plumber to fix leaks.
Clean up the landscaping out side, paint the windows, trim the hedges, fill in bald spots in the lawn and generally improve the curb appeal of your home. Repair any leaks, clean all of the carpets, the showers and all tile in the bathrooms. Repair all nail holes in the walls and then apply a fresh coat of neutral paint. If there are major repairs needed, you may have to reconsider your budget.
Hire Professionals if Affordable
Time is an important factor and also many home owners who consider themselves handymen are not able to complete all of the work in a quality professional manner. Know your strengths and weaknesses and hire professionals to compensate for areas that you either do not have the time to focus or do not have the skills to accomplish on your own. The more quickly the work is completed, the sooner you home can be placed on the market.
Some repairs have to be handled by a professional. For example if your Maryland house has termite damage then it will need to be treated by a certified professional. Cutting corners here can mean major repercussions down the line.
Make Decisions Regarding Major Repairs or Upgrades
Sometimes there are major repairs that need to be considered that can cost thousands of dollars. A new roof for example, cracked foundations or driveways, old dilapidated property fences etc. can all cost thousands of dollars to repair. You may not be able to afford these repairs and try to sell the home as is. Buyers will reflect these extra costs in the final sale price they offer for the home.
Focus on the Positives Compared to Other Homes for Sale in Maryland
When people come to see your home for a showing or open house focus on all of the positives. Declutter your home, open the windows to allow fresh air and hi-light all of the positive attributes of the home. Have open discussions with potential buyers about furniture placement and any repairs that have been completed.
Sell As Is With Full Disclosure
If there are major repairs needed, full disclosure is required in Maryland as in many other states. Have up to date estimates for the repairs to share with potential Maryland home buyers to help the understand the cost and also avoid offers that are lower than they should be as buyers try to compensate for the repairs that will be needed.
Sometimes sellers are overwhelmed by all of the effort and the expense needed to bring a home that needs work up to market levels. They may decide to sell it as is to professional home buyers who regularly purchase homes that need work. They are skilled at improving homes and are also interested in fast closings which can be attractive to home owners who would really like to move on quickly.
Sell to a Professional Home Buying Company
Companies like Dependable Homebuyers will let you sell your home without repairs. They will buy your home no matter the condition. Give them a call at (443) 219-8331 for a fair offer!