LITTLE THINGS TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN SELLING A FIX & FLIP HOME

I recently previewed a number of starter homes that had been renovated by fix & flippers.  Since I’ve done this for over eleven years, I noticed some little things that in my experience don’t cost much but will speed the sale of the house while ensuring the best price:

FRONT OF HOUSE

·         Front Yard Landscaping & Lawn – Though the inside was totally renovated some of these properties did nothing to the outside.  “Curb Appeal” is still relevant!  Eliminate the old overgrown bushes and trees.  Replace them with some new bushes and flowers.  If the front lawn is savable, water and de-weed/fertilize it; if not, sod.

·         Awnings – They are dated, unnecessary with modern windows and diminish the first impression (Not to mention making the inside of the house darker).

·         The Front Door – Many of the original doors were kept unchanged.  If they are of good character, they need to be sanded and finished.  Beat up doors should be replaced – Try the Masonite Steel White Pre-hung Right Oval etched glass Entry Door which are not expensive (Home Depot).  Old or new consider painting them a striking color to complement the house colors and bring more light into the entrance way.

·         Black Front Security Door And Metal Posts - Paint with metal primer & spray paint either the color of the door or to match the trim.

INSIDE HOME

·         Interior Walls – Some houses’ showed cracks on the ceiling and walls plus distorted old texturing.  Patch the walls/ceiling then texture them with a heavy orange peel spray texture (except the kitchen and bathrooms).

·         Bathtubs – You can keep the old tub (if it has no chips) but replace the drain and overflow plate and clean up the rust with Bar Keeper’s Friend.

·         Electric Receptacles – Because one of the last things done is to put the covers on, sometimes a gap in the sheetrock will show.  There are wider covers which can be purchased that will cover this up.

·         Overhead Lights – Now is not the time to be energy efficient.  Put the maximum allowable traditional bulbs in each fixture.  You want to make each room look large and well lite!

·         Decorator Colors – These are great for the kitchen, living and dining rooms but in small bedrooms and hallway, keep the colors light to make them appear bigger.  Consider using a dense white pigmented primer and don’t even paint these rooms.

KITCHEN

·         Kitchen Lights – One or two ceiling light fixtures is not adequate for a kitchen.  Best option is to put in can lights (Commercial Electric 6 in. IC Remodel Recessed Housing (6-Pack) is less than $300 @ Home Depot).  An economic option is to replace the overhead kitchen light with two Hampton Bay Linear Track Kits (Home Depot $29.95 each) plus a track connector to link the two.  This will give you eight spot lights which you can aim all over the kitchen.

·         Knobs for Kitchen Cabinet & Drawers - Satin Nickel Hollow Round Knobs - Pack of 25 knobs @ Home Depot $39.98 will enhance the kitchen cabinets’ appearance.

·         Countertop Bullnose – Tile countertops that lack a vertical bullnose (end cap) look unfinished and not esthetically pleasing.

BACKYARD

·         Privacy Fence – A six foot high wood fence is a strong selling point as it blocks the view of the neighbors’ yards and in some properties, the alley.  If all or part of yard has a fence that is in good shape but discolored then power wash it.  Where there is no fence, install them on all three sides – The cost can be as little as $100 for each eight foot long panel with posts and cement.

·         Lawn – Clean up the lawn, kill the weeds plus water and mow regularly.  If it is Spring or Fall you can seed dead patches.

·         Concrete Patio – If cracked, patch it then paint the whole deck with a concrete stain that matches the house colors.