5 Steps To Sell Your Old House In GA
How to sell an old house that needs work and updating
Selling an old house in Atlanta that needs work can have challenges. It’s best to think outside the box and be strategic with your approach when selling an old house, especially when it comes to repairs, upgrades, and sales presentation. Let’s look at how to prepare a house for sale, especially when selling a house that needs repairs.
Step 1: Estimate house pricing and budgeting.
Do a thorough walkthrough of your Atlanta house. Using a critical eye, decide what needs to be repaired or updated, what updates would help with a sale, and what is not worth fixing, financially.
Research how much similar, renovated houses are selling for in the neighborhood. Subtract the amount of money needed to repair and update so that you can develop a budget. As with all old houses that have seen better days, be generous with your budget because, as you probably know, fixing one thing in an old Atlanta house can lead to even more issues that need to be fixed.
Step 2: How to sell an old house that needs work – Take care of the major problems first.
Prioritize taking care of work that would most likely scare off buyers, such as wiring, roofing, and plumbing that need updating or repairs. Any structural problems and defects should be addressed.
Kitchen and bathroom upgrades are expensive but have a big impact on Atlanta house values. Whether or not you want to renovate those rooms is up to you. Keep in mind the market value of the house and whether it would be worth modernizing.
Step 3: Improving aesthetic appeal
You should consider minor upgrades only after major problems are fixed. Remember that some Atlanta house buyers are fine buying an old, fixer-upper house, especially first-time home buyers and do-it-yourselfers. However, fresh, neutral-colored paint and other minor cosmetic updates go a long way toward making an old house look attractive.
Replace old light fixtures with new ones and remove old window treatments. Clean and air out the house thoroughly. Remove clutter and consider renting a short-term storage unit to clear out some of your furniture. Less “stuff” will make your rooms look more spacious.
First impressions matter when selling an old house, so take a good look at the front exterior of your Atlanta house and decide what can be done to improve it. Trim your shrubs, weed, mow, and rake. Plant flowers around the entrance and make it look welcoming. Replace old, beat-up hardware such as door handles, house numbers, and mailboxes. Consider a new coat of paint. Check to see if the gutters and downspouts need to be replaced.
Step 4: Staging and photography when selling an old house in Atlanta
Although staging isn’t necessary, it often pays off. According to Manta.com, “The home staging cost in Atlanta delivers an excellent return in terms of a higher resale value. Studies have shown that a well-staged property can fetch anywhere from five to 20 percent more than one with zero staging.” The average cost for staging a house in Atlanta is $530. The photography of your house should be clear, sharp, and taken from the best angles with flattering lighting. In the case of older houses, architectural details should be showcased.
Step 5: Marketing your old Atlanta house
When selling an old house, play up its unique, period features. Sure, the house needs some repairs and upgrades, but does your Victorian house have a large front porch? Point out to prospective buyers the possibilities with that spacious outdoor area. Does your mid-century house have a large picture window with a great view? Is it a 1940s ranch house with no second floor? Spotlight these features, as many people are looking for houses that have unusual details and aren’t cookie-cutter 2000s homes.
Emphasize aspects of the house that haven’t been remodeled or developed. Does the 1960s house have an inner courtyard that is currently an eyesore? Expand on what it could look like with some work. Consider the potential of a vacant backyard or other features of the house. If your house is close to popular restaurants, shopping, or excellent schools, expound on that as well.
Options for selling your old house in need of repairs
There are several choices when selling an old house that needs repairs in Atlanta.
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Make minimum necessary repairs and sell it as a fixer-upper to a do-it-yourself buyer.
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Overhaul your Atlanta house completely and sell it as a move-in ready home, if finances allow and the market value is high enough.
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Don’t make any repairs to your old house and sell it “as is.”
How to sell an old house that needs repairs the easy, hassle-free way
If you’d rather skip the process above, there are other options. As your go-to direct house buyer in Atlanta, we buy houses in all sorts of conditions. HomeVestors® is a great option when you want to avoid the hassles of selling the traditional way without making any repairs. Contact us to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation. Our friendly, local Atlanta property specialist will tour your property and answer your questions. We can frequently give you an offer on the same day. Sometimes, we can close quickly, and we do our best to work on a closing timeline that meets your needs because your priorities are our priorities.
HomeVestors has purchased over 140,000 houses since 1996. Our satisfied sellers give us a high 95%* customer satisfaction rating and fantastic reviews. We would love to team up with you if you’re selling an old house that needs repairs. Sell to us without all the hassles of a traditional home sale.