Best way to Sell an Older Home

While older homes possess unique charm and character, they may also require some additional preparation to attract potential buyers and achieve the best possible sale price. As a real estate agent in Old Roseville, I understand the importance of presenting an older property in its best light. I'll guide you through essential steps to prepare your older home for a successful sale.

1. Assess the Property's Condition: Before listing your older home, it's crucial to conduct a thorough assessment of its condition. Look for any visible signs of wear and tear, such as cracked walls or peeling paint. I highly recommend to have a pest and home inspection done before listing your property. There are multiple reasons for this. First, it gives you a chance to see what condition the house in and get repairs done before listing it. Usually you can get the repairs done for less expensive than the inspection company estimates, so it will save you money if you have time to shop around for repair companies instead of either giving a seller credit or going with the inspection company. Second, if you can show that you have fixed all major issues that came up from the inspections, addressing these concerns upfront will help build buyer confidence and streamline the negotiation process. Some buyers get scared off when they see major repairs needed even if you offer to give a seller credit. About 40% of deals that fall through are due to issues that come up with inspections, so if you can provide those reports upfront it can save a lot of headache and time that buyers are getting in and out of contract.

2. Repair and Replace: After seeing the properties condition, repair all major concerns including active leaks and dry rot. Another concern that buyers can have for older homes is knob and tube electrical systems. If you currently still have knob and tube, it would be best to replace before listing. If you don’t, you can expect buyers to ask for a credit to replace them. Also, assess your piping. If you have old galvanized piping, I recommend replacing that as well. These are issues that might scare away buyers so if you can take care of these issues up front, there will be more buyers interested and the competition of more buyers can drive the price up.

3. Highlight the Charm: Older homes often possess unique architectural features that can be a significant selling point. Emphasize these characteristics and make them shine. Showcase original hardwood floors, crown molding, or vintage fixtures. Consider staging the home with appropriate furniture and decor to look fresh and clean while honoring the history and charm of the house.

Preparing and selling an older home requires a thoughtful approach. By investing time and effort into enhancing its appeal, addressing necessary updates, and effectively marketing the property and neighborhood, you increase the chances of a successful sale. For additional information on preparing all homes for sale, check out this blog. The unique character and charm of older homes can be a significant selling point, so showcase these features while ensuring the property is well-maintained. With proper preparation, your older home can attract the right buyers for a great price.