Old homes have become sought-after treasures in recent years. Homes with “old bones” have become more popular because they have more character and generally have better craftsmanship as opposed to newer homes. Given the new craze for older homes, this is now the perfect time to sell your old house! Here are a few tips and tricks to keep in mind when selling an old house!
Tips and Tricks for Selling an Old House
- Be sure to price your home correctly. Before ever putting your home on the market, there are few things to keep in mind. The first being the current housing market. It is a good idea to see how houses are priced in your area. This will give you a good idea of how to value your home. If you are looking for expertise in pricing, a realtor is a good resource when pricing your home appropriately.
- Find a realtor who has experience selling older homes. Relying on the expertise and experience of a realtor who knows how to highlight the charm of an older home is the best way to ensure you are ready for success from the start. The realtor can help you market your home and reach out to potential buyers.
- Emphasize Unique Features! More often than not, buyers looking at older homes want homes with character or historical value so be sure to emphasize the unique features of your home. Maybe your home has an old wine cellar, original crown molding, vaulted ceilings, or unique light fixtures. Find what’s unique and market it!
- Increase the lighting. Natural light is a common “want” for buyers. This an easy fix to make your home more appealing in photos and person! First, start by removing curtains and switching out lightbulbs for higher wattage to increase light. You could even trim tree limbs and hedges in the yard to increase light in your home as well!
- Make modern updates without losing the charm of your home. This tip can be a challenge for some sellers. It can be difficult to find a balance between maintaining the charm of an older home while also adapting the home to fit modern needs and aesthetics. A good place to start is by remodeling bathrooms or the kitchen. Updated kitchens and bathrooms make your home appealing and marketable. Even a fresh coat of paint in neutral colors can make an older home stand out from the rest!
- Stage your home for a modern buyer. Staging your home is a great inexpensive way to show a buyer the versatility and potential of the rooms in your older home. Staging to show the architecture and charming features also allows the buyer to see what makes your home unique. Clear clutter and make your home warm and welcoming!
- Location, Location, Location! A huge factor many buyers consider is where the home is located. If the seller can promote the amenities of the neighborhood and the location, this can help secure a serious offer.
- Boost Curb Appeal. Taking the time to maintain the exterior of the home can be a worthwhile investment. This can be trimming hedges, clearing brush, creating an inviting front porch, or even a fresh coat of paint can make all the difference to the buyer.
- Highlight the History of your Home. Details are so important when highlighting the history of your home. Buyers interested in older homes will appreciate the history of the home like when the home was built, who built and what the home means to the community. These details can be all the difference when marketing an older home.
- Sell “as is”. Fixer-upper homes with good bones are all the craze right now so you may find a buyer who wants to update and fix the home themselves. Selling your older home “as is” can mean you will not get the asking price, but it could be a good tactic for someone looking to sell their home quickly.
Be sure to keep realistic goals in mind and be upfront about the possibilities of the home and you will be able to sell your older home in no time!