You have put the time and effort into declutter your home. You have tackled old repair issues that have irked you for years, and spruced up the landscaping. Your house looks beautiful and you want to enjoy it. Is selling the right choice?
As homeowners prepare to sell, they frequently invest time, money and elbow grease in making their home look its best. That's when sellers start to rethink their choices. They remember all of the great things that made them excited about their home in the first place, And they start to wonder if they should sell. It's a good question, one that deserves proper consideration.
First, what is driving the move? Relocating for your job or to be closer to family is an obvious reason to move. Moving because you need more space or you want to upgrade finishes may take more thought. If you like the area, your neighbors, the schools, the commute, etc. staying put may make sense.
Second, what do I need to stay? Is it an extra bedroom or bathroom? A modern kitchen? Updated finishes? A backyard oasis? Have a clear vision of what needs to change and how you can make it happen. More space via an addition means an architect, possible zoning issues and professional contractors. A backyard oasis may only involve a few trips to your local garden center, some online searches about plants, and weekends of sore muscles.
Third, what will it cost and where do I get the money? When you list your home for sale, typically the commission for both your agent and the buyer's agent is paid out of your net proceeds. For a house worth $500,000, that commission could be $25,000. (This is just an example because commissions are always negotiable.) That hypothetical $25K could go a long way toward your kitchen remodel or finishing the basement.
But it's not as if that money is sitting around. It's tied up in the equity in your home. You don't actually get that money in your hands until you sell, or take out a HELOC (a home equity line of credit.) Getting a HELOC to finance improvements means taking on debt, with your home as collateral. It is not a step to be taken lightly, and should be discussed with a trusted financial advisor before moving forward.
Fourth, how will the upgrades disrupt my routine? Will everyone in the house have to rely on one bathroom while the other one undergoes a makeover? If you are doing the kitchen, can you freeze enough meals to cover dinner while you are without a stove or a sink? Can you handle or afford take-out, night after night? Be as prepared as possible for the inconveniences to come.
Put it all on a spreadsheet, pluses on one side, negatives on the other, and have an honest discussion with all household members. Then decide, together, if the temporary disruption is worth the permanent improvements.
Staying put and spending on improvements may be the right choice. Or it may be time to move on. Either way #RynoMarketing is here to help you every step of the way.