Selling a Probate Property:
What Improvements Should I Make Before Selling
a Probate or Trust Property?
Part 9 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.
Presenting a San Diego house is an art. There is a balance between spending money to improve the appearance of the house, from a buyer’s perspective and keeping the expense minimal. The main objective is cost-effective repairs and updates. It is important to know what buyers are looking for in a home in the particular location of that home.
If you’re in the same situation (representing a probate or trust) and are wondering what you should and shouldn’t do to present the estate house, 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, my intention is 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.
#2 of 10 Most Popular Renovations Buyers Will Pay More For:
New Kitchen Appliances
Updating old appliances can really pay off!
Kitchen appliance prices vary greatly. Updating the avocado green stove can really pay off. According to the NAR, 69% of San Diego homebuyers will pay up to $1,840 extra for a San Diego house with new appliances.
Why not give your San Diego buyer what they want?
Think about it, if the kitchen is in serviceable condition, new appliances can improve the entire feeling that a buyer will have when considering your San Diego area house and other similar houses in the area.
After new appliances and a a few cosmetic updates.
San Diego buyers don’t want to come to a broken dishwasher or a refrigerator that makes funny noises. And, they are willing to pay for more for a house that will provide them with the assurance of functioning appliances.
The great part of replacing the appliances is that theoretically it will not cost the estate any money because the investment will be returned at close of escrow.
Although many San Diego buyers are attracted to stainless and you read an earlier blog about the percentage of buyers that are willing to pay more for a San Diego house with stainless steel appliances. I’m sure your wondering if you should pay for that upgrade?
Not necessarily …
This is where an experienced San Diego real estate professional, like me, is your best resource. Knowing the area and what a buyer wants is very important. There are situations where basic white appliances will suffice and on the other hand, there are circumstances when not spending a few hundred dollars more for stainless is a mistake.
