Older homes often have a charm, but they also pose concerns to potential buyers. Older homes are more likely to require repairs and large renovations. If you are planning on selling an older home in the Pittsburgh area, you must understand the limitations of the sale and how to entice potential home buyers. We have put together our top three tips for selling an older house in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
Price
Old home or new home, everyone wants to get the most money for their house. However, selling an older home limits the asking price for a property. Older homes are more likely to have foundational problems, electrical issues, outdated rooms, and more. A home seller needs to understand this prior to setting an asking price and adjust accordingly to the true value of a home. If you set the price too high, home buyers will scroll past your listing. A high asking price will keep the home on the market for longer than desired or potentially on the market indefinitely. If you list too low, people will assume there are major problems with the home and not inquire.
Working with a direct home buyer like 3Rivers Property Group allows you to understand the true value of your home. You will get an understanding of the issues of the home, likely market selling price, and possible ways to sell your home. Once you understand the numbers for your home, you can make a decision on the best way to proceed with the home selling process.
Staging
A big tip for selling your home is to enhance its best features. Staging an old home brings out the best features of the home, which will leave a good impression on potential home buyers. Removing personal belonging like family pictures from your listing photos is a best practice to improve perception. Take good quality pictures with a high-definition camera and include a virtual tour if possible. Lastly, improve the curb appeal of your home. No home buyer wants to view a home with the grass not cut and hedges untrimmed. It leaves a bad impression and will negatively affect your chances of selling the home.
Selling to a real estate investor eliminates the need to stage your home. Direct buyers will view your property in any condition and make an offer no matter what. If the staging process is too much for you, consider selling to a direct buyer like 3Rivers Property Group.
Home Repairs
Old homes more often than not require repairs. Whether it be the stairs that creek or the basement walls that are cracking, an old home needs repairs. Making repairs to your home prior to taking it to market will improve its market value. Buyers want to move into a home that is in good condition. However, home repairs take time and cost money, so it is best to shop around before settling on a general contractor to do work on your home. Always pick a trusted contractor that will not price gouge and will meet deadlines. The last thing you want when making repairs to your old home is for it to unnecessarily cost a fortune and take too long.
Home repairs are not required when selling to real estate investors. Direct home buyers will buy a property in any condition, even if it requires thousands of dollars in repairs. The term for this style of home buying is buying “as-is.” Selling your home “as-is” means that you do not need to fix anything with the home – big or small. Selling your old home in its current condition will save you the repair costs, the headache of home projects, and even the cost of listing your home through a Realtor.
3Rivers Property Group
3Rivers Property Group helps homeowners sell their homes by taking the burden of home selling off their backs. No matter what situation you find yourself or your home in, we are willing to make you a fair cash offer. Avoid the hassle of home repairs, unnecessary selling fees, and the headache of listing by selling to us. If you have a home that you want sold, give us a call or fill out our web form!