The capital of Texas and home to nearly a million people, Austin is among the hottest markets for residential real estate at present. People have different reasons for moving to the city and even more reasons to stay, making it an ideal hotbed for anyone looking to sell their house for a great price. Statistics show that during the first half of 2023, active listings in Austin have increased by 173.5%.
At present, the median house price in Austin has fallen by nearly 13%, which means that you face a unique challenge as a seller. How do you get the best price for your home in a market that is leaning toward buyers? Well, here are some of the things that can clearly make a difference and make your home more attractive to potential clients and allow it to fetch a higher price:
Repair and upgrade the home before listing it for sale
Modern home buyers have varying preferences regarding what they would like in a new home. However, they generally like functional yet aesthetic features with a hint of smart technologies as these options can make a huge difference for them in many ways. In terms of the top five upgrades that add the most value to a house, here’s the list:
- Refinishing the floors
- Installing wood floors
- Insulation upgrades throughout the house.
- Repurposing the basement into living or entertainment areas
- Refacing the closets
Of course, you need to make certain decisions on your own on the upgrades and renovations front. In case they are too outdated, consider bathroom remodels in Austin or even a kitchen makeover. It is all about how much you are willing to spend and the level of return that each investment can offer.
This aspect may require you to put down some extra money from your pocket, but you can recoup those expenses once the property sells. In the meantime, you jack up the selling price of the home thanks to the upgrades that you’ve done. As far as repairs are concerned, here are some of the things to fix:
- Look for any mold or leakages in the walls, ceilings, and floors. If there are, repair them as soon as possible because they can damage the integrity of the structure.
- Inspect the HVAC system to make sure that it is functioning effectively. Have a maintenance service done too.
- Retire any leaking or old fixtures, including bathroom hardware, cabinet locks, door handles, and other relevant items.
- Give the house a deep and thorough clean before listing it for sale.
A well-maintained home has a higher probability of selling for a greater price as compared to others that are on the market.
Boost the curb appeal of the home
It is probably the oldest of proverbs that first impressions are usually the last impressions. If your home has paint cracks, overgrown shrubbery, a broken fence gate, or any other imperfections on the outside, it can immediately throw buyers off. Even paint that has lost its color during to sunlight and other natural elements can ruin the first impression that you want to make.
Therefore, if you are looking to fetch a great price for the property, you will also need to invest in curb appeal. Get in touch with a reliable designer, real estate expert, or just a colleague to get their opinion about the current state of the exterior. Depending on what they say, invest in a few upgrades here and there to freshen up the look. Just a simple new coat of paint can make a huge difference in the property’s curb appeal.
Other options you can explore include replacement of the siding, upgrading the deck or patio, focusing on the landscaping, and adding unique touches around the place that give an attractive, classy vibe that can capture the buyer’s attention.
Staging makes a world of difference
The next significant phase is setting up the property for an open house after you have finished the required improvements and taken care of the exterior. The goal of staging is to render each room in a way that feels as open and bright as possible so that the buyer can picture themselves living there and transforming it.
Make your way through each room and determine what can be stored or eliminated. Watch out for any potential small repairs, such as weak door knobs, dangling nails and wires, or any damaged surfaces in the bathroom or kitchen, as you proceed. Cleanliness makes a great impression while simplicity and elegance also have a profound impact.
Humans are attracted to certain elements when buying a house. These include ample natural lighting, exquisite lighting fixtures to illuminate the house at night, and chic decoration pieces like mirrors, paintings, and vases, to name a few. Try adding a bit of nature to the place in the form of artificial or natural plants.
Get professional help where needed
Unless you are an expert in the real estate and design market yourself, which most people aren’t, it is best to get professional help when trying to boost the sale price of your home. Find a reliable realtor in your social circle and bring them to the house to get their professional opinion about the right things and the elements that need improvement.
Since a realtor understands the market more effectively and has an idea of what buyers in the respective neighborhood are looking for, there are able to give you a more precise plan for what to do. Their advice can be extremely beneficial, particularly when giving the selling price a nudge and the improvements that can help you do just that.
Conclusion
Selling a home in Austin with the current dynamics in perspective can be a challenge, but it can be easily overcome by creating a property that stands out from the rest. Indeed, you don’t need heavy budgets and major renovations to achieve this. All you need to do is sit with a realtor to understand what buyers are looking for and ensure your home is well-presented and all the necessary repairs are taken care of properly.
