Hi Tim,

It has been about a month since you posted . . . have you prepared your home for sale, listed or received a contract yet? Please feel free to contact me to discuss a "Comparative Market Analysis" and what can be done to make your house stand out from the rest in your price range and sell for the figure you need to make a profit.

Thank you
Linda


LINDA BEE
Accredited Buyer Representative
Certified New Homes Construction Specialist
RE/MAX ALLIANCE
22420 Perry Highway
Zelienople, PA 16063
Office: 724-452-4645 Ext - 222
FAX: 724-452-4735
CELL: 724-622-9030
Email: lindabee@remax.net

Mars is an up-and-coming are - sort of. the spillage from Cranberry has really shot up home values and all the new construction doesn't hurt, either, but, in my humble opionion, for the age of your home - you may just want to declutter, remove oversized furniture or too much furniture ,freshen the rooms with new paint, and get that landscaping looking nice. You may have answered your question just by asking it - don't pour any more money into it - just fresh cosmetic changes. Why? Comparable new home prices in that area are giving you a run for your money.

I am not a realtor - just a hobbyist that keeps a keen eye on the area looking for super bargains. S0 - that is just my two cents.

Consider consulting a local stager to give you a detailed list of recommendations. This is affordable ($200 - $400 in most areas) and will likely offer you some specific suggestions for each room in your home that you have not considered. A stager will critically evaluate the interior of your home as well as its curb appeal. Many suggestions will be no or low cost. It sounds like you are motivated and willing to invest your time and energy to complete the necessary work to make your house appeal to the most potential buyers. Best of luck!

Tim
Let's back up a few steps in your question.
You want to net as much as possible when you sell, right? Buyers want value, so adding value can be done in a variety of ways:
Paint inside and out. It sounds like you have that figured out.
Stage the property. Space sells, so declutters and depersonalize. Your Realtor should be able to help you do this, if not, talk with a home stager or intereior designer.
Depending how many belongings you might have storing them off site might be a good idea.

Have professional pictures taken. Doing all that painting and cleaning, decluttering, and staging is worth a lot more if the picture capture the detail.

Remember that the price you paid, what you need to "get out of the sale" has nothing to do with the sale price of the property. You can certainly increase your odds by great marketing and property preparation. Don't forget curb appeal. An overpriced listing will not sell. However, a properly prepared and priced property, marketed and PRICED correctly, will sell for top dollar.

Be clear on your reasons for selling.
Good luck!

Tim, it sounds like you have a lovely home already. If the walls need to look cleaner, yes white paint should be the answer because it makes the home look clean and larger. Remove any additional clutter you have in the home, the more organized the home looks the better it presents itself, perception unfortunelty is reality. Although we are in winter make the front entrance look inviting, plant any nice looking plants or flowers if your area permits it. Although buyers understand you are moving they do not like to see boxes, it makes a buyer feel you are hiding something. remove them. Contact a professional realtor in your area with experience, they can tell you what your home is marketable in your area.
Good luck!