As we head into the spring market, there’s a lot of hope. There’s also a lot of competition—and not just from fellow real estate agents.
Disruptors (including iBuyers) are ready to fight for market share, even if it means losing money in the short run. With large companies willing to risk a lot to win big, agents need to arm themselves with the right tools to stay competitive, win listings and get homes sold.
One of the best ways to stay competitive—and ensure a smooth sale—is to offer a pre-listing home improvement solution that helps you cater your process to meet sellers’ goals, without costing you time.
Wear and tear are a normal part of homeownership, but nonetheless, signs of age can raise alarms for modern buyers who want to avoid projects and potential money pits. Pre-listing home improvements can include everything from deep cleaning and repairs to kitchen and bathroom remodels. Determining which ones are necessary is half the battle. Here are the improvements we suggest every agent consider to help their listings appeal to buyers and avoid issues during inspections.
Deferred Maintenance
When you’re living in a home, you may put some repairs off because you don’t have the money to take care of them and/or they’re not imperative. When selling, however, these repairs become necessary because if not addressed, they’ll raise red flags for both homebuyers and inspectors.
Painting
It’s common knowledge that a fresh coat of paint helps homes sell, which is why it’s one of the most common improvements among home sellers.
What’s hot: Light, neutral tones that help spaces feel large and open and are very on-trend in home design.
Flooring
Over time, carpets get stained, hardwood flooring gets scuffed and tile flooring can fall into disrepair. Cleaning, refinishing and repairing are ideal, if possible—but ripping and replacing is also common, especially in older homes.
What’s hot: Hardwood flooring is a classic and luxury vinyl tile is also incredibly popular right now!
Modern Finishes
Swapping hardware and light fixtures for modern options is a simple fix that will make the whole home feel more up to date.
What’s hot: Brushed gold, muted brass, brushed nickel and chrome metal accents.
Landscaping
A little can go a long way, and the key is to cleaning up your existing landscaping to improve curb appeal. This means removing any debris, mowing, edging, trimming trees and shrubs, etc.
What’s hot: Low-maintenance landscaping that allows homeowners to spend their time outside relaxing rather than working.
Deep Cleaning (Inside and Out)
Make sure to deep clean your entire listing before going to market. Everything from grout and carpet cleaning to power washing walkways and siding should be completed to help your listings shine.
Provide Your Sellers with Expert Advice and a Turnkey Solution for a Seamless Sale
According to Zillow research, 73% of sellers are already making at least one improvement before selling.
While agents know that home improvements will help homes sell more seamlessly, they’re sometimes hesitant to suggest additional updates because they’ve been burned by contractors before. This is because the traditional home improvement process can be slow, contractors can be unreliable and prices can be all over the place—and that’s why we’re here.
Curbio’s home improvement process was created for REALTORS®, with a focus on speed, reliability and transparency. After working with your Home Improvement Consultant to finalize scope, you’ll pass the project off to your Curbio Project Manager who will see to every detail from the initial proposal through the punchlist. You’ll have access to the Curbio app, where you’ll have an open line of communication with your project manager. You’ll also receive frequent text, photo and video updates, so you’re never left guessing about what work is being done, where your contractors are or when the project will be complete.
With no minimum or maximum project sizes, we’re available to take on any pre-listing improvements you need to make your listings shine this spring. Get started today.
Olivia Mariani is the director of Marketing at Curbio. To learn more about Curbio’s pre-listing home improvement solution and how it can help you grow your business, visit curbio.com.
