Selling a Probate Property:
What Improvements Should I Make Before Selling
a Probate or Trust Property?
Part 10 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 San Diego house in probate or a trust for sale.
Personal representatives want to get the highest price and best terms for the estate. They turn to me to help them make the best decision. There is a balance between spending money to improve the appearance of the house, from a San Diego buyer’s perspective and keeping the expense minimal. The main objective is cost-effective repairs and updates. It is important to know what San Diego buyers are looking for in a home in the particular location of that San Diego home.
As a San Diego Probate and Trust Real Estate Specialist, my intention is to get the most money for your San Diego 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.
#1 of 10 Most Popular Renovations Buyers Will Pay More For:
Central Air Conditioning
Buyers pay more for air conditioning.
Everyone wants to be physically comfortable. There are many locations in the San Diego and surrounding areas where the temperature can become warm. Of course, San Diego homebuyers would prefer to have the option to adjust their environment and feel comfortable.
According to the NAR, 69% of homebuyers would pay an extra $2,520 for a house that has central air conditioning. Surprising that this is the same percentage of homebuyers that would pay more for new kitchen appliances. When polled, 60% of people considered air condition as “very important.”
What is interesting is that although people were willing to shell out approximately $2,500 for A/C, that dollar amount is far less than what it would actually cost to install central air conditioning.
Many San Diego estate houses sell without this feature. Considering the “cost-effective” repairs when preparing a San Diego house in a probate or trust, I have never recommended the installation of central air conditioning.
That’s it … the 10 San Diego home improvements and the percentage of homebuyers that would pay more money for a San Diego home that includes each of the improvements.
A San Diego personal representative that becomes responsible for a loved one’s home after they pass away should obtain the help that is needed. It’s not important that you choose me to help with the preparation, marketing and all the transactional details that come with the responsibility. What is important is that you have the right person, with the right skills and experience that can provide the right guidance so that you can feel comfortable.
