Not long ago, back when money was real cheap, many buyers were willing to pay a premium for their home, even if their new home required an extensive amount of work. Buyers were willing to hire their own contractors after closing, and pay what they needed to pay, if that's what it took to secure a home and update it to their liking.
But now that interest rates are higher and the stock market is lower, buyer behavior has changed. Today's buyers are more selective and discerning. When they consider today's home prices, today's remodeling costs, and the amount of time it can take to hire and schedule a good contractor, they would much rather buy a move-in ready home instead.
So, what does it mean to sell a move-in ready home?
Move-in ready means that the critical repairs have been addressed, and that the most glaring cosmetic blemishes have been eliminated. Move-in ready is more about removing objections than it is about home renovation. It's about choosing the repairs and updates that offer a proven return on investment.
For example:
- Move-in ready means hiring a professional contractor to seal a basement foundation crack (and providing a transferable warranty) -- so you don't take a big hit on price.
- Move-in ready means painting the old kitchen cabinets and adding new hardware rather than buying and installing brand new cabinets.
- Move-in ready means selectively investing in new flooring, a few new light fixtures, and some fresh paint -- rather than remodeling the whole house.
If selling your home or condo is in your future, the good news for you is that we've been helping our clients make their homes move-in ready all along. We give you all of the time and attention you need when it comes to staging your home, addressing critical repairs, and making smart cosmetic updates.
Contact your Mad City Dream Homes realtor to get started. We'll help you make all of the right decisions and connect you with all of the right resources as you prepare for a smooth and successful sale.
