SAN FRANCISCO – April 2, 2015 – With the spring selling season in full swing, now is the time for clients to improve their home and make it more appealing to potential buyers, even if they don’t plan to put it on the market right away.
Where to start? Peter Chovanes, a Realtor® with Van Guard Properties in San Francisco, advises clients to start with the four home improvement basics: foundation, roof, plumbing and electrical.
Of these, the roof is most important.
“I am almost always asked ‘How old is the roof?'” he says. “And keeping the roof in good shape alleviates other problems. For example, water can run laterally, and once a leak starts it can follow plumbing and even electrical conduits. So what you think is a plumbing leak might really be a hole in the roof.”
Fix-up steps with an eye toward selling one day
- Repair: First take a good look at the state of the home, inside and out. Fix the obvious areas that need maintenance.
- De-clutter: Find ways to store odds-and-ends in containers and cabinets, or donate belongings to charity.
- Lighten up: Brighter, light-filled rooms are more appealing and make a house feel more spacious. Consider replacing heavy drapes with shutters, shades or blinds.
- Add eco value: Replace old windows with energy-efficient versions to reduce home energy costs and add value.
