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Renovations

Renovate before Selling? Yes or No?

If you own a property and thinking of selling, you might be wondering whether to invest any money in renovating – or just to sell it as is. This is an extremely common dilemma – and one that I am talking to people about just about every day.

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If you own a property and thinking of selling, you might be wondering whether to invest any money in renovating – or just to sell it as is. This is an extremely common dilemma – and one that I am talking to people about just about every day.

There are a couple of pros and cons to renovating before you sell. Following is some food for thought, before you decide one way or another.

On the ‘for’ side of the renovation argument is the fact that it is better for you to add the value to the property, rather than leaving the potential profit for someone else to take advantage of. If your property is well renovated, you also minimise the amount you are likely to be beaten down on price.

A well renovated property (one that looks great but didn’t cost you a lot to achieve) will represent good value to potential buyers – and therefore be more likely to be considered over any others for sale in your suburb.

The last thing you want to do is spend too much money on your renovation and end up having to ask more for the property. If that were the case, you would have been better to leave it as it was and sell it un-renovated (and not have to go through the renovation process at all).

If you want to sell your renovated property asap, then you need to be realistic about your asking price and this is only possible when you have been smart with your renovation choices. A smart ‘sellers’ renovation is where the property:

  • Looks and functions better than competing properties in the same price bracket
  • Is renovated to meet to needs of the property’s target buyer audience
  • Is attractive to 95% + of the buying population
  • Offers excellent value in the eyes of the buyer

In many cases, a pre-sale reno with help you add huge value to your property. In other cases, your reno is simply a necessity to bring it up to standard to even be considered by potential buyers. Get your renovation right and it will be your property that draws buyers in as the best option for them at the time.

Buyers know they’re in a ‘buyers market’ at the moment and they will sniff out any reason to knock you down on price, so you need to offer them the sort of property they want to buy (see above bullet points). If you do this, then you will have more interest from more buyers and the price will become less and less of an issue. Research suggests that when purchasing anything, price actually comes about 5th or 6th on the list of what people consider. They are more interested in getting just what they want, than getting something cheaply.

If your property is located in an area likely to attract families and professionals, you may find that once renovated, it is more likely to sell. Professionals in particular are less inclined to want to worry about doing a renovation – and prefer to have it all done for them. This is the same with families – particularly those with younger children.

On the other hand; singles, empty nesters or families with older children may be happy to carry out a renovation of their own.

On the Con’s side of the renovation argument is the fact that in this market, people are out to hunt down a bargain. The less you spend on your property to prepare it for sale, the less you need to sell it for to recoup your costs.

If you leave your property as is, you are more in a position to sell it cheaply which is what many people are looking for. They would rather buy cheaply and then recreate the home that they want from a blank canvas. However, is it what you want? Will you get out of the sale the amount of money you need doing it this way?

The other thing to think about is that if you were to renovate, your renovation tastes may differ to that of your potential buyers. If you renovate in the wrong way (using inappropriate colours, materials, fixtures and fittings), then your property may not be one that is attractive enough to have the offers flooding in. This is a big mistake and I see it often!

To decide whether you will renovate – or not – ask yourself the following questions:

  • What do you want your property to sell for?
  • Can you leave your property as it is to achieve this price (tip: ask 3-4 respected Real Estate agents their opinions of the expected selling price for your property)
  • If you do need to upgrade your property to get the sale price you want, what do other properties around this asking price in your area look like (ie the traits of your competing properties)?
  • What exactly do you need to do to your property and how much can you get away with spending to bring it on par with these other properties? (tip: Hotspace Consultants – www.hotspaceconsultants.com – can help you with this one).
  • How much time have you got?
  • Do you have the confidence and motivation to carry out a renovation yourself?

Beware of Real Estate agents who say NOT to renovate your property. In many cases, this is because they want your listing right now – not in a few months time. On the other hand, they may be quite right in advising that selling an un-renovated property is the better option in their area.

Do your own research about whether a renovation on your property is worthwhile for the result you want.

If you’ve decided to renovate before you sell, then knowing exactly what you are going to do – before you start – is essential. Extra confidence in knowing you are doing exactly the right things to add the most value without wasting a single cent is available through Hotspace Consultants’ Renovation Action Plan service (www.hotspaceconsultants.com).

Renovations

Five easy steps to boost the appeal of your home

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It is not an uncommon fact that a well styled and well maintained house is sold easier and quicker in comparison to the one which is dirty and not looked after. Supplementing the resale value of your property may sound like a difficult task, but in fact it is a very easy thing to do. We have highlighted some of the most effective tips that will help you in improving the value of your home.

1. Proper planning

It will get a lot more easier for you if you do things in a planned and organised manner. Make a list of all those things you want to change or upgrade. Go through the list and evaluate how much are the renovating and repairing services going to cost you and plan accordingly.

When you have made an arrangement, conduct a thorough research and converse with the companies that provide renovation services in Auckland to perceive what kind of return those enhancements may bring. A few changes will enhance your home pretty effectively.

2. Paint the walls again

Painting the walls of your property using neutral colours such as beige, tan, grey etc can instantaneously enhance the overall look of your home and thus its resale value. Newly painted walls will add vibrance and exuberance to your room and make it smell fresher.

Keep in mind about outside paint, especially if your current paint is chipped, peeling or worn out. An excessive number of colours could make the home to seem uneven as opposed to coordinated by a typical sense of taste. Pick not more than three shades for the exterior of your house.

3. Keep it clean

Think from the perspective of a buyer, if your home is available for purchasing, a brilliant and sparkly home can draw in purchasers like a magnet.

A perfect spic and span property can offer a lot of benefits at once. To begin with, you don’t have to worry about maintenance issues, it becomes easier to identify potential issues before they transform into costly expenses. Also, you don’t allow dirt and garbage to develop if you keep the cleanliness of your property up to date.

Think past your standard vacuuming schedule. Contract a company that can offer profound cleaning services. You may need to contract a different company to steam-clean the carpets, as not every single home cleaner offers this service.

4. Modernize your kitchen

On the off chance that your cupboards are in great condition however obsolete, you can enhance their appearance by applying a new coat of fresh white paint and replacing the pivots and handles. You could also procure contractual workers to replace the cabinets, while leaving the cupboards themselves intact.

Use Stainless Steel. The frosty feel of steel is a hot ticket for purchasers. Replace your equipment as it becomes outdated and pick a similar metallic look in your light switches.

Replace your countertop with granite, for it will supplement the overall look of the kitchen greatly.

5. Update your washrooms

Of all the rooms in your home, the washroom is the most used one. There is a lot of wear and tear and damage involved, so you need to keep it well maintained and make attractive updates if required.

Keep it clean. Dirt and grime can end up accumulating on washroom surfaces rapidly. Spruce it up with new grout.

Exchange your standard showerhead with a more noteworthy looking choice. Include a builder grade granite or marble ledge to your shower vanity at a moderately minimal effort point, as the material expenses won’t be too high.

In the event that your washroom is in good working order, these updates aren’t important. In any case, if your washroom is outdated with obsolete ledge with dings, chips and stains, replacing this could enable you to draw in a purchaser.

Last but not the least, it is advisable to take a proactive approach towards renovating your house by hiring a reputed company that provides professional builders who will do the job for you in a more efficient manner. There are a number of renovating companies in Auckland like Your Builder Ltd who provide such services at very reasonable prices.

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Renovations

Maximising your outdoor living for year round use

Properties which are orientated to maximise sunlight are at the top of priority list for home buyers, according to NZGBC.co.nz. So investing in an attractive, liveable outdoor space, with good flow between indoors and outdoors, is money well spent. Not only will it make your home feel more expansive, but it will also pay dividends should you decide to sell.

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Properties which are orientated to maximise sunlight are at the top of priority list for home buyers, according to NZGBC.co.nz. So investing in an attractive, liveable outdoor space, with good flow between indoors and outdoors, is money well spent. Not only will it make your home feel more expansive, but it will also pay dividends should you decide to sell.

What do I need to consider when creating indoor/outdoor flow?

Depending on the current layout of your property and how you intend to use your outdoor space, considerations will vary. However the consistent factor with all outdoor living areas in NZ is climate. While the summer months lend themselves to socialising outdoors, our inconsistent weather and varying temperatures throughout the middle of the year means your outdoor living space needs to work to combat these elements and minimise their effect.

Incorporate shade & shelter

It’s hard for a Kiwi to catch a break when we are trying to enjoy ourselves outdoors. We are either being roasted by our harsh sunshine, rained on by a passing shower, or blown away by random wind gusts. No matter what the weather – your outdoor space needs shelter. Fortunately you have a lot of options – including awnings, umbrellas, gazebos, pergolas and sails – depending on your budget.

Outdoor Heating Solutions

Outdoor heating allows you to get the greatest value out of your investment in an outdoor living space as it lets you utilise the area all year round. While there are many options the most cost-effective, energy efficient solution is roof mounted, electric heaters.  Auckland based outdoor heater manufacturer, Kelray Heaters produce a range of outdoor infrared heaters which are specifically designed for NZ’s salt-laden air.

Unlike traditional gas powered heat lamps which simply heat surrounding air, infrared heaters act similarly to the Sun’s rays, with heat waves being absorbed only by solid objects.  This makes them the most efficient patio heating solution.

Lighting your outdoor space

Outdoor lighting needs to be practical as well as decorative. By illuminating certain features of your yard such as paths, plants, ornaments and seating, you create an aesthetically pleasing night time environment.  The two main options for landscape lighting are 12V and solar powered each of which can be LED or halogen.  The solution you select will be based on the intended use of your outdoor area as well as any limitations.

When it comes to creating an attractive, liveable outdoor space in NZ the items highlighted above – shelter, heating and lighting, are really the bare minimum. When it comes to other considerations such as outdoor furniture and appliances, this really depends on what you intend to use this space for. Be sure to closely define what you want to get out of your newly created space, before undertaking any significant project.

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The Most Cost-Effective Renovations for Improving Property Values

No matter what they want to tell you, it’s not just ‘location, location, location’ anymore. People looking for new homes are actually looking at the home itself these days, not just where it’s located. The term ‘curb appeal’ took off in the 80s, and we all know about it, and yet particularly among new owners, using the concept is a challenge.

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Location, Curb Appeal, Value for Dollar, Location. That’s more like it.
No matter what they want to tell you, it’s not just ‘location, location, location’ anymore. People looking for new homes are actually looking at the home itself these days, not just where it’s located. The term ‘curb appeal’ took off in the 80s, and we all know about it, and yet particularly among new owners, using the concept is a challenge. We’re going to make that a little easier — only we’re not stopping there, because prospects walk through a house, too. We need to add a little value inside the home as well with these cost-effective renovations.

Curb Appeal

Clean Up
We’re hoping that this is a no brainer for most of you, but just in case there’s someone out there who intends to rent out a property that’s exterior has junk laying around and the interior is cluttered with crap…don’t unless your goal is to be a slumlord. We’re not talking about construction materials, we mean whatever previous tenants left behind. If we can’t fit the debris in the back of a truck or the garbage men won’t take it, we’ll rent a dumpster. Now we have shown properties to tenants that we’re eager beavers to see them when they weren’t ready & on the market, and there are exceptions to every “rule”, but our goal is not to market a property until it’s cleaned up.

Landscaping
You don’t have to have an actual landscape to do some landscaping. Cut & trim the grass, add a few pavers or garden logs to define (empty) ‘planting beds’, and maybe some planters under the kitchen windows will do the job. The point, however, is that if you don’t take care of these basics, it looks like you don’t care about the house — and if you don’t, why would they?

Entrance
This is the real ‘first impression’ — literal curb appeal is good, but the prospect is going to start looking critically at the home as they walk up. A fresh coat of paint on the front door and frame, some new address numbers, and (if relevant) some solid, good-looking stairs go a long way.

Inside

Now You’re Cooking
The kitchen is the heart and soul of the American home; most modern kitchens are designed to be used while hosting, with guests seated within sight and earshot. That means that some clean & matching appliances (no white fridge and stainless steel oven), scrubbed kitchen cabinets and counters, and no burnt out lightbulbs are the minimum. Be sure the paint on walls & ceiling, especially around the stovetop (where grease splatters), looks good. For a few hundred bucks you may want to put down a new floor – if you use peel & stick tiles don’t use the cheapest ugly stuff and be sure to use specific floor contact cement so they stay down and your new tenant isn’t calling and complaining after a month that the floor tiles are coming up! Make sure the kitchen is bright and inviting with light fixtures that aren’t just the cheapest you can find. Find a Habitat Restore or other resale shop for inexpensive, nice-looking used ones. Also be sure to address the area under the sink – if it looks crappy and dirty what’s a potential tenant going to think? For $20 we install a rubber mat that looks good, is easy to keep clean and protects the particle board base.

…and Giggles
The next area that draws an excessive amount of consumer concern is the bathroom. Like the kitchen, a few small changes can really turn a bathroom from a dingy place where you wouldn’t want to touch anything to a place you wouldn’t mind doing a crossword puzzle. A new toilet seat, fresh tub surround caulk and the cabinet mat we mentioned for the kitchen are easy to do. Going further, an updated vanity, light fixture and mirror shouldn’t cost more than a couple of Benjamins, but the value they add is huge.

Let There Be Light
The last great (cheap) home upgrade that will get your rental filled quick is brightening up the living areas. If you don’t have a massive window, add lights with daylight bulbs. Tip: don’t show a property with all the blinds/shades closed (unless you need to hide an eyesore next door). If the carpet is dingy, replace it with something light-toned (but not so light that it will make dirt stand out). A coat of paint slightly less ‘off’ and slightly more ‘white’ can help quite a bit, too. Some contrast is also good, so don’t paint the ceiling & trim the same color as the walls! Bright rooms feel like big rooms, and you can completely change the feeling of the living space for less than a hundred bucks if you play your cards right.

With these cost-effective renovations in place, you can make almost any home feel like a place you’d want to live — and if you want someone to live there, you should strongly consider doing just that.


This article has been contributed by RoyalRoseProperties – and found in a discussion on PropertyTalk.com.

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