Selling a Probate Property:
What Improvements Should I Make Before Selling
a Probate or Trust Property?
Part 1 of 10
One of the most common questions I’m asked from personal representatives of an estate is regarding what improvements they should pay for before listing the home for sale.
If you’re in the same situation (representing a probate or trust) and have the same question, don’t worry. The fact that you’re asking the question means that you’re on the right track.
As a San Diego Probate and Trust Real Estate Specialist, I understand that the goal is to get the most money for your probate or trust property. Often times, spending a little translates into big returns. I’ve written this series to discuss the Top 10 Home Improvements with the Largest Return.
The National Association of Realtors (NAR) recently conducted a survey on this very topic. I’ve analyzed their results to determine how these would apply to sellers of probate and trust real estate in San Diego.
#10 of 10 Most Popular Renovations Buyers Will Pay More For:
One or More Fireplaces
40% of San Diego homebuyers will pay up to $1,400 extra for a San Diego house with a fireplace.
Even though your San Diego estate is a probate or trust sale, traditional home buying trends still apply. Remember, you’re marketing your probate property for sale to San Diego home buyers. If San Diego buyers will pay extra for a fireplace, let’s take advantage of that! It only takes a little time to determine how much money, time and effort it would cost you to improve the state of the fireplace.
The good news is that you can often make a real impact with just a little time and money in this case. It’s also important to note that while 40% of San Diego homebuyers will pay extra for a fireplace, a dirty and outdated fireplace can also be a real turnoff.
That having been said …
Fireplace – Cleaned up and Staged to sell
If the San Diego probate or real estate in a trust has a fireplace, it is recommended that it be:
- cleaned up (scoop ashes, use soap and water on dirty bricks)
- possibly painted (If the fireplace doesn’t draw your attention, consider painting it 2 shades darker than your wall color.) Just 1 quart of paint should do it!
- Staged (More on this below.)
That’s it! How easy is that?!
If you want to attract buyers to your probate and trust property like moths to a flame, then you’ll clean it up and try some of these staging tips:
 Before the home was staged to sell. |
San Diego Real Estate Staging Tip
If you’re selling your probate or trust estate during the hottest part of San Diego summers, then consider staging the fireplace a little differently:
- Use white birch logs in the fireplace.
- Use cool and pale colors.
- Accessorize with nautical/beach/seascape themes.
- Use plants and flowers as accessories.
A few years back fireplaces were less necessary because San Diego homeowners had several TV’s going in the house – all at once. With many San Diego residents now owning tablets and e-readers, fireplaces may become the cozy place that San Diego homebuyers are looking for when using their devices.
With these easy tips, you can tap into those 40% of San Diego homebuyers who are willing to pay an extra $1,400 for your probate or trust estate.
If you have questions about Probate and Trust Real Estate, staging a home to sell or what improvements you should make before listing your property, call us! We can help. 619-741-0111
