Triangle Area Real Estate News & Information

The summer has flown by, and so have our listings. We are seeing less than a week on the market in most cases and excellent terms for sellers. One of our most frequently asked questions as listing experts in the Research Triangle Park is how much should we update our home prior to listing? NAR and Fixr.com compiled a comprehensive checklist of repairs and their costs in order of importance to buyers and sellers. These are really high impact, low cost tricks and tips that sellers will realize great returns on. If you are selling your home in 2023, consider these tips a cheat sheet from staging experts.

Professionally Decluttering

Price-conscious home sellers in the RTP should consider investing in professional decluttering services. Realtors here understand that a clutter-free home appears more spacious and inviting, encouraging potential buyers. This is especially useful for those who are busy and also those who might be downsizing. You can expect to pay around $450 for professional decluttering, a worthwhile investment that can significantly impact your home's appeal.

Entire Home Deep Cleaning

Cleanliness is key when it comes to creating a positive first impression. Every real estate expert will recommend having your entire home professionally cleaned before listing it. This is not only an affordable project, with an average cost of approximately $225, but it also ensures that buyers experience your home in its best possible light. Professional cleaners also can help remediate odors.

Repairing Drywall

Minor damage to drywall can make your home look worn and dated, and the cost of repairing drywall also makes it easier to repaint. Repairing drywall is a cost-effective project, with an average expense of around $350.

Repairing Damaged Shingles

Savvy buyers are properly vigilant when inspecting a roof. Replacing a roof is one of the most costly expenses of homeowning. When you list your home, it repairing damaged shingles is a minor yet impactful repair recommended by experts. The cost may vary depending on the extent of the damage, but homeowners can typically expect to pay around $500 for this project.

Carpet Cleaning

Worn carpets can seriously detract from the overall appeal. Cleaning carpets is also a very affordable option, with an average cost of approximately $65 per room. Note check with your Realtor, realistically many stains won't come out despite what the carpet cleaners might tell you. The stains will fade and re-apear within a month. Rather than waste money it may be better spent replacing the carpet in a room if it's deeply stained.

Other intermediate projects include paint touch-ups and depersonalizing the home. These projects are budget-friendly, with professional touch-ups costing around $200 and depersonalization services averaging about $500. If you have a larger budget, or are looking to sell in five years, you can include some of the most expensive curb appeal options, like re-grouting a shower, which averages around $700 or investing in landscaping which can run around $1,000 - $1,500 depending on what you're getting done.

We are available to discuss and advise on your home listing process and unlike many other firms we include a number of these services free of charge to our clients. Take a look at some of the listing advantages we offer our sellers below and contact us today.