The global real estate market is fluctuating rapidly: a recent economics study predicted home prices to rise an average of 4.3% over the course of the year, an increase from the average 3.8% in 2018. When preparing to sell an international home, it’s important to budget time for property maintenance to add value to your home and increase its desirability for potential buyers. Following up on core strategies for home improvement will boost your appraisal and speed up the buying process before you put your property on the market.
Gutters And Roofs
Damaged roofs and gutters are both strong indicators of a house that is in need of long-term repair, which is an unattractive proposition for prospective home buyers. Having your gutters cleaned out prevents disintegration and water damage due to drainage issues, particularly during seasons of heavy rainfall. Like gutters, issues with the roof of a home can remain undetected for years, causing water to slowly infiltrate and damage the walls. It’s likely that a potential buyer will have the roof inspected before closing in on a purchase, so having your roof redone may play to your advantage at an early point in the process.
Boost Curb Appeal
Curb appeal is a well-documented phenomenon when studying the real estate market and looking at how to sell a property quickly for increased value. By one estimate, the increase in property value from good landscape maintenance is priced at a hefty 15% of the property’s total worth. When thinking about raising curb appeal, one good tip is to clean and freshen up your front door and the area surrounding it, since it will likely be the first step buyers take into your property.
Decluttering Is Key
Many homeowners have spent years collecting and preserving the objects, furniture, and decoration that goes into creating a home. But when you’re putting a home on the market, clutter is a top cause of low real estate appraisal, as homes are generally thought to be harder to sell where they are brimming with items. Decluttering is also a great way to prepare for a move if you are switching permanent residences and want to save on moving fees.
It pays to plan carefully and make smart choices when preparing to put your home on the market. Low-cost renovations and home improvement go a long way towards boosting home appraisal once it’s time to part with your international residence of choice.
