The Investment Real Estate Corner: Liabilities Into Assets

Getting ready to place your home on the market?  If it is in anything less than “like new” condition, you’ll need a little reality check before you can determine a fair asking price.  Since buyers will order one anyway, you should strongly consider having an inspection performed by a licensed professional before you market your home. 

Why do it now, since the buyers will pay to do it later?  Ask yourself if you like surprises!  If repair issues are identified, you have time to decide whether to pay now for the improvements, or adjust your asking price accordingly.  The old rule of thumb dictates that buyers will offer $2 less for every $1 in needed repairs, so make your decision with care. 

This is a great opportunity to take lemons and make some lemonade!  Don’t ignore major repairs that can boost your home’s value and desirability.  If your home is marketed while in need of a new roof, you’ve got a real liability and challenging sales point.  Market your home with a brand new roof, and suddenly you’ve got a great asset. 

Discover problems and implement solutions before you make your final pricing decision.  To do otherwise simply invites unpleasant surprises and low offers.  In today’s highly competitive market, you need to take proactive steps that assure your home’s value stands out in the crowd.

2006-10-23T15:20:08+00:00