The Property Brothers’ Best Tips On Buying And Selling Your Home
When it comes to buying or selling a house, it is far from the easiest thing in the world, but it doesn’t have to be a headache or stressful process, especially if you have access to helpful information, and this is where the Scott brothers come in. HGTV reality stars Jonathan and Drew Scott are well known for their home design and renovation skills, personally and professionally, so when it comes to buying or selling a house, they have all the best tips and tricks to give you the best experience possible.
The “Property Brothers” stars are not shy about how invested they are in their work. With all the valuable knowledge they offer, you don’t want to miss out on the best strategies they have that will either make or break your home selling or buying experience. Who better to take notes from than these dynamic twin brothers?
Know what you’re working with
Everything comes with pros and cons, even a newly-constructed residence. When it comes to buying or selling a new home, the most important thing you want to do is your homework, as it helps to know what to expect. Research is crucial because you need to know who and what you’re working with and what they’re bringing to the table as far as strengths, quality of work, and the terms of the contract for the project. Also, keep in mind the obligations you have to meet to avoid delays or penalties. It’s also essential to account for the unexpected costs that may arise when you’re purchasing a brand new home or even selling an existing one — since you may have to invest money to spruce up someone’s future residence.
According to HGTV, Drew emphasizes the importance of having extra money for mortgage costs, land transfer expenses, legal fees, and title insurance. Unexpected expenses are not fun, but they are inevitable, so do yourself a favor and be prepared. Drew also recommends asking your agent for a list of estimated closing costs. On the other hand, Jonathan emphasizes getting the home inspected before closing the deal. This is something that should be done regardless of the quality of the house because only a professional can give you a proper home inspection and tell you everything you need to know. He also mentions that the seller will pay for the costs of issues that may arise.
Never settle whether you’re buying or selling
Before buying any property, you should always scout the neighborhood because you want to see the type of community you’d potentially live in. HGTV mentions that Drew recommends getting to know your potential neighbors for insider information to get a feel of the neighborhood and decide whether it’s a good fit for you.
When it comes to selling your house, you want potential buyers to be able to visualize the home as their own, so he suggests packing your family pictures, personal decor, and, most importantly, decluttering the space. You want the home to look as clean as possible, so don’t hesitate to do small touch-ups around the house. The more appealing the house looks and feels, the more likely you will make the sale. Remember, your house is still an investment, so don’t hesitate to give potential buyers the best. Make remodeling fun, practical, but most importantly, safe.
The Craft of Real Estate
Taking care of repairs before putting your house on the market can help you attract more buyers, get top dollar for your home, and avoid lengthy and costly negotiations over needed fixes.
Roughly 43% of Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate® agents say that a wow-worthy exterior makes the best first impression. It follows, then, that your home’s interior should also be “picture perfect” before listing.
If you’re getting your home ready to sell, consider first repairing anything that takes away from your property showing in the best possible light.
Wondering where to start? Repairs are easier to take on when you begin with a clean and decluttered home, so give your house a good tidying up or call a professional to do the job. Then, give away, sell, or throw away anything you don’t want or need. Next, it’s time to address repairs.
Be proactive in assessing your home for potential issues that might turn off buyers. And, fix problems before photographing your property. Remember, even if buyers don’t notice a particular cosmetic (or larger) concern, a home inspector likely will. So, ask your agent for advice on taking care of any flaws that might hinder the sale of your house.
Buyers typically don’t want to deal with repairs before or immediately upon moving in. You can attract buyers to your property by presenting a well-maintained home in move-in condition.
Why Tend to Repairs Before Listing
Below are some reasons to take care of repairs before putting your home on the market.
- Increased appeal – Homes in good condition are more attractive to homebuyers, especially first-time buyers who might not want to take on costly (or lengthy) repairs before moving in.
- Minimizes negotiation points – Address repairs before listing to reduce the chance of buyers negotiating for price reductions or credits.
- Quicker sale – Move-in ready homes usually sell for more than those where the buyer needs to make repairs.
Top Overlooked Repairs That Hinder a Sale
Jessica Poulos, broker and owner of Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Northwest Home Team says two categories of repairs could hinder a home sale.
- Deferred maintenance – Letting maintenance and repairs slide on your home’s major systems and structural components will likely turn buyers away. Ensure you’re on top of roof cleaning and repair, gutter cleaning, plumbing leaks, HVAC service, significant cracks in walls and ceilings, and exterior painting.
- Unkept or dirty areas – Buyers notice when a home isn’t clean and tidy. It doesn’t take much effort to fix and spruce up dirty windows, flooring that needs cleaning or repair, broken or old cabinetry, and damaged kitchen and bathroom tile.
Types of Repairs to Consider Before Listing
Do a full home walk-through before listing to document the areas that might cause buyers to pause (ask your agent to help you uncover what might break a sale for a buyer). Repairs worth considering before putting your home on the market include:
- Foundation cracks – Fix small and large cracks in your home’s foundation. If buyers don’t notice these repair issues, be assured that their home inspector will.
- Roof issues – Take care of missing or damaged shingles and tiles, torn flashing, and roof leaks.
- Electrical problems – Fix broken outlets, switches, and fixtures (and modernize them while you’re at it).
- Flooring issues – Repair cracked tiles and refinish scratched floors. Fix loose floor tiles and floorboards.
- HVAC problems – Ensure your air-conditioner and heater function properly (HVAC systems needing repair are especially noticeable during extremely cold or hot months).
- Plumbing leaks – Repair leaky faucets, toilets, and pipes as well as any areas that may have water damage due to leaks.
- Cosmetic concerns – Touch up paint on walls and cabinets, fix broken cabinet hardware, and repair cracks in walls and ceilings.
Tips for Getting Your Home Ready to Sell
Benjamin Smail, an agent with Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate The Good Life Group in Omaha, Nebraska, shares three important tips for getting your home ready to sell:
- Touch up paint on walls and trim with the correct color and sheen. For just $100 in paint and a day’s work completing touch ups, you can shift a buyer’s thinking. Eliminating the perception that a house needs a full paint makeover prevents buyers from deducting $5,000 to $15,000 of value from a home.
- An unkempt home can cost thousands of dollars in buyer enthusiasm. A buyer doesn’t feel warm and fuzzy purchasing a home from a seller who doesn’t care enough to clean it well and prepare it for sale.
- Every room should have the right number of possessions, positioned in the right places. Too many items are overwhelming. Too sparsely decorated and the room feels abandoned and sad. As a last resort, a completely empty space is ok if clean and well kept.
Are you looking to sell or buy a new home? Let Better Homes & Gardens Real Estate® walk you through the process.
Subscribe for the Latest Posts
About Us
Company Overview: Better Homes and Gardens® Real Estate is a dynamic real estate brand that offers a full range of services to brokers, sales associates and home buyers and sellers. Using innovative technology, sophisticated business systems and the broad appeal of a lifestyle brand, Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate embodies the future of the real estate industry while remaining grounded in the tradition of home. Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate LLC is a subsidiary of Realogy Holdings Corp., a global provider of real estate services.
History
In 1978, Dotdash Meredith, one of the nation’s leading media and marketing companies and publisher of Better Homes and Gardens magazine, launched the former Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Service. Dotdash Meredith owned and operated the company for 20 years and grew the business into a highly respected name in the real estate industry. Dotdash Meredith sold its real estate business in 1998 while retaining long-term ownership of the Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate brand name. In October 2007, Realogy announced it had entered into a long-term agreement to license the Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate brand from Dotdash Meredith. The licensing agreement between Realogy and Dotdash Meredith is for a 50-year term, with a renewal option for another 50 years. Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate officially launched its new franchise system on July 23, 2008.
Headquarters:
175 Park Avenue, Madison, NJ 07940 1.866.616.4BHG (4244)
Parent Company
Realogy Holdings Corp. Ryan Schneider, Chief Executive Officer & President, Realogy. Anywhere Real Estate Inc. Sue Yannacone, President and CEO, Realogy Franchise Group. Anywhere Brands
Media Contacts
Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate (717) 315-5472 leah.wright@anywhere.re
- Privacy Notice
- Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information
- Accessibility Statement
©2024-2025 Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate LLC. All rights reserved. Better Homes and Gardens® and the Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Logo are registered service marks owned by Meredith Operations Corporation and licensed to Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate LLC. Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate LLC fully supports the principles of the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Opportunity Act. Each franchise is independently owned and operated. This is not intended, and shall not be deemed to constitute, an offer to sell a franchise. Franchise offerings made only by a Franchise Disclosure Document. THESE FRANCHISES HAVE BEEN REGISTERED UNDER THE FRANCHISE INVESTMENT LAW OF THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA. SUCH REGISTRATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE APPROVAL, RECOMMENDATION OR ENDORSEMENT BY THE COMMISSIONER OF CORPORATIONS NOR A FINDING BY THE COMMISSIONER THAT THE INFORMATION PROVIDED HEREIN IS TRUE, COMPLETE AND NOT MISLEADING. This advertisement is not an offering. An offering can only be made by a prospectus filed first with the Department of Law of the State of New York. Such filing does not constitute approval by the Department of Law. The Minnesota registration number for this franchise system is #F5883. Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate LLC, 175 Park Avenue, Madison, New Jersey 07940.
https://www.housedigest.com/881341/the-property-brothers-best-tips-on-buying-and-selling-your-home/https://www.bhgre.com/bhgrelife/making-necessary-repairs-before-listing-your-home/
