Have you considered putting your home up for sale in Philadelphia? You could be asking if you should start with a renovation or not. The outcome depends on how your home is currently, what the local market looks like and which renovations will provide the highest value. With the help of this guide, you can decide what to purchase without spending too much.
Understand the Philly Market First
Before making any changes or hiring someone, see what cash buyers in your area are interested in. There are Philly neighborhoods where properties are snapped up quickly, even if they haven’t been fixed up – particularly if they have a great layout and good location. There are some buyers, however, who want the home to be ready for them to live in right away.
People who want modern touches and a wide living area are drawn to Fishtown, Graduate Hospital and Northern Liberties. At the same time, some buyers in West Philly or South Philly would prefer to focus on the character and appeal of a home rather than carrying out a major renovation.
What people in the region want is important. Look at houses that have been sold recently in your community. Check how the item looks and what its cost is. Now you know exactly what is required to make your project work.
Renovate Only Where It Counts
There are differences between different types of renovations. Refreshments such as painting, refinishing the floors and changing the light fixtures usually make more of a difference than a major kitchen renovation. You can do renovations without destroying the house. The home just needs to look clean, updated and properly cared for.
Pay special attention to the kitchen, the bathrooms and the views from the front of the house. These factors are usually the source of emotional choices.
It is also important to note, according to Remodeling Magazine, that simple changes to the exterior such as a new front door or garage door, bring back a bigger return than major interior projects.
When to Skip the Renovation
If your home is in decent condition and priced competitively, it might sell just fine as-is. Some buyers actually prefer a home they can personalize with their own touches.
You should especially avoid major renovations if:
- You need to sell quickly
- The neighborhood doesn’t support high resale prices
- The house requires structural work
In those cases, pricing it right and highlighting the potential may work better than a long renovation timeline. Liberty Bell Investments often highlights homes that sold fast with minimal updates because of smart pricing and strong marketing.
Clean, Stage, and Make It Shine
You should still prepare the house correctly, even without making major renovations. Make sure to clean everything you touch. Declutter rooms. Attend to small details such as loose door handles, annoying door sounds or chips on the paint. You can change a buyer’s view of your home by following these simple steps.
Staging lets buyers think about calling the place their own home. Pick simple colors, let natural light in and place furniture in simple arrangements. To make the house stand out, cut the bushes, add flowers and make the front door welcoming.
These are the main tasks you should do before listing your property:
- Make sure to clean every area such as the floors, walls and windows.
- Take out things that belong to you to achieve a neat and spacious atmosphere.
- Repair any paint that has chipped, tiles that are cracked or hinges that squeak.
- Allow the most sunlight to enter your room when you can.
- Choose light and neutral colors to attract more people.
- Make the room look fresher with plants, clean sheets or new light fixtures.
- Ensure that the outside of your home is tidy, lush with plants and friendly
A neat and well-kept home, renovated or not, appeals to more potential buyers and offers higher prices.
Doing renovations before selling in Philly is a good idea only if they really make your home more appealing. It is usually the smaller changes that give the most impact. Unless your home is old or is in an area where competition is high, fully remodeling can be a waste of time.
Examine your local market, make smart improvements and always consider things from a buyer’s point of view. A nice, bright home with solid structure will attract buyers and fetch a high price, even without major renovations.
