Preparing to list house to move to THE VILLAGES FLORIDA

[senior citizen]

...........

[Cobh521]

When we were selling our home, we first de cluttered. We had a very large property also. Our children's took a lot of the furniture before we put the house on the market. We then moved the existing furniture around and staged each room. We did replace the carpets in our 6 bedrooms as the carpet was 16 years old. We bought a neutral carpet at Home Depot on sale that included whole house installation for $99. The rest of our house had been updated within 3 years so we did not have to worry about it. Good luck in your move

[OldManTime]

Do not do carpets here in florida, take the money, and tile your whole house

[gomoho]

Ask your REALTOR for advice in your particular market - they know best what is expected when buyers are looking.

[wendyquat]

Unless the carpet is worn looking or badly stained I'd consider a "flooring allowance". Many would prefer laminate and there are so many differing opinions for carpet, ie some like Berber. I hate Berber! Good luck!

[manaboutown]

Whether to paint, re-carpet, upgrade and stage or whether to just clean the house well and sell "as is" depends upon how "hot" the local market is and many other considerations. I would find three experienced successful real estate agents from different companies who "farm" your area and obtain their opinions on what best to do and not do.

[katerogers]

There are a myriad of websites that will tell you exactly what you should do in order to get the most for your house, without spending a fortune - that you will probably never get back. I did my research this way when I sold my last home and it was worth it's weight in $$$. You'd be surprised what makes a difference to a new buyer, but the bottom line is that they must look at themselves living in your home, so there must be no reminders of your family - less is more in furniture and knick-knacks - and painting beige or white will make it more appealing.

Katie

[KathyW]

Housing is our area is pretty "hot". We sold our home without an agent and without listing through word of mouth. The local elementary school is a big plus here. We did not fix up anything and sold "as is" for less money. All the younger families told us that they want to fix up the house the way they want, and not what we thought they would like. Location was the big factor in us selling! I would imagine everything depends on your area.

[MSG@TV]

As someone who has just completed this process, it depends on what you're willing and able to do. One of the consistent pieces of feedback we got from prospective buyers is a desire for an updated look. That message is shown again and again on cable's HGTV. Basically it translates into an open concept floor-plan, floors preferred over carpeting, granite kitchens, no wallpaper and neutral color scheme. As one of the realtors we interviewed put it, the young people want "Pottery Barn" decor. However, our house was over 25 years old and decorated in the 80's in part by a professional decorator, with faux paint, floral wallcoverings that matched custom window treatments, and other custom treatments. We did remove wallpaper from several rooms, but it was expensive and difficult to find workmen willing to do it. That realtor suggested spending about $30,000 more to put it in the Pottery Barn current look. We chose to go with another realtor who took the listing with suggestions for only modest changes. Although we got (3) offers, people had no qualms about putting in offers significantly below our asking price. We finally got them to come up and settled for something in-between. The point I'm making is that the young buyers want it all and the houses that sell the fastest are those that give them what they want. If your house still has other features that appeal (ours had great curb appeal), you can still sell, but not as quickly and as for as much as you might have wanted. So, the most important changes you make are ones you've already considered. Yes, de-clutter. Our realtor staged our house and had us put away the bric a brac (sp?) coveted by decorators. We also changed the knobs on our kitchen cabinets from brass to nickel. It's amazing the difference this inexpensive change made. We did not re-carpet. We did touch-up paint on ceilings and baseboards and spent money fixing stuff that was not operating properly. So, we were able to sell, but likely would have gotten more had we made the house look like those on HGTV. Only you can determine whether it's worth it or not.

[Mikeod]

We were in a similar position with the carpet in the house we sold. Our realtor advised us to leave the carpet as is. One problem is if the prospective buyer doesn't like the new carpet or would prefer wood or laminate they will lower their offer or ask for an allowance anyway. We were prepared for a lower offer or a request for a flooring allowance. Neither happened.

[Barefoot]

Ask your REALTOR for advice in your particular market - they know best what is expected when buyers are looking.

As a former realtor, I agree with Gomoho. Your local sales agents will give you a Market Analysis at no cost to you, and will advise you on flooring, and will know best what purchasers are looking for in your area. Most people will walk into your house and form an immediate impression, so staging is really important. Fresh paint (neutral colors) and declutttering are always a good idea.

[Cantwaittoarrive]

In my experience an allowance is not as appealing to buyers as new carpet. If you decide to re-carpet a room or rooms I would buy the cheapest quality of carpet and pad you can get. I don't think there is a right or wrong answer, it seems in todays market many buyers want to move into a home that has everything already done but they still want to get a "deal" so they may still ask for a allowance or may still list flooring as a reason for not offering "full price"

[Buckeyephan]

We have a contract on our house and are closing on June 28. Sold in 11 days with 3 offers. Our realtor gave us a list of asking prices for all, some and none of the improvements we could make. The house is 15 years old so we opted to replace the appliances with stainless steel and recarpeted. We remodeled the master bath and kitchen 5 years ago. In all, we spent about $5000 to prep it but got our asking price with no negotiations. We feel it was totally worth the expense. Our realtor manages properties and got us her discount for the carpet. It is not a quality or pad I would choose, but people loved the fact that it was new. We had what I call the House Hunters Big Four: stainless, open floor plan, granite and hardwood. I don't think there is a right answer for everyone so you need to choose what works best for you. Good luck with this wild housing market.

[Barefoot]

We had what I call the House Hunters Big Four: stainless, open floor plan, granite and hardwood.

I would agree 100% on your Big Four. (I think young mothers haven't yet realized how much time they'll spend wiping fingerprints off a stainless steel fridge!)

[susiejwill]

IMHO, do Not replace your carpet with yet more carpet!

[senior citizen]

.........

[Quixote]

Housing is our area is pretty "hot". We sold our home without an agent and without listing through word of mouth. The local elementary school is a big plus here. We did not fix up anything and sold "as is" for less money. All the younger families told us that they want to fix up the house the way they want, and not what we thought they would like. Location was the big factor in us selling! I would imagine everything depends on your area.

Housing in my region was generally not "pretty hot." However, in the immediate location the school district was a huge plus, along with a big nearby college and what's known as "the million dollar view." I chose to do the same thing as KathyW: I "did not fix up anything and sold 'as is' for less money." I had no mortgage, nor do I have a mortgage on my home in TV, so I had no desire to look for "big bucks" as I just didn't need it.

I had bought the house forever ago for what was an appropriate price way back then (a ridiculous price today!), and other than house systems like heating, roof, siding, etc. I did minimal upgrading over the years because it just didn't seem important enough (everyone has different values). This way the new owner can build value through "sweat equity" AND have a home that looks like the buyer's rather than the seller's. Did I make a mistake in selling a "project of a house" for less money (which was also the condition when I bought it)? Maybe. But do I care? Not particularly....

[Yucatan2]

Hi senior citizen,

We are in a similar situation. Live on the outskirts of town, 3.5 beautiful wooded acres, 1954 home totally hardwood floors and big rooms. We had an offer on our house this winter, but in March the buyer's financing fell through. In the meantime we purchased our home in The Villages, but our Virginia home is still for sale. It's also a small town area, manufacturing dried up, not a lot of jobs. More and more homes keep showing up on the market; more competition. I really do hope we get another offer soon!

Best of luck selling your Vermont home, it sounds very lovely. With luck, the right person will come along, for both of us!

[Bonnevie]

am also in the process....my house is 40 years old and while I have upgraded, it's not with the big four.

however, my realtor didn't suggest doing a lot of upgrades as she said the buyer may not like them.

case in point, my neighbor completely redid their bathroom prior to selling. got a great price. one day I'm walking the dogs and I see a tile saw outside the house. seems the new owner ripped out the newly renovated bathroom because the needed wheelchair height cabinets.

so, you never know. I bought a resale and so am glad I won't be ripping out new carpeting when I redo the floors because as others have said, I don't like carpeting in florida.

[asianthree]

we will not put our up north home for sale for four years..have a to do list before we sell for doing one thing at a time

[gustavo]

A question for all of you who have "been there and done that" as far as preparing your larger family home up north, such as eliminating clutter, downsizing closet content, etc.......prior to listing for sale in order to relocate to The Villages, Florida............:

How many totally recarpeted in order to "update" 15 year old carpeting, just for potential buyers.....such as in a neutral color?

Or, how many opted to not go through all of the hassle....and just offered a "carpeting allowance" to the potential buyer????

I had thought of putting in laminate wood floors as that's what the younger crowd seem to prefer over carpeting........for numerous reasons...

However, that would be even more labor intensive and more expensive.

We had a free in home carpeting specialist come to our house yesterday to help me pin down the nuetrals I had already made up my mind on.....and seeing the actually furniture colors...........this is a huge tri level.....with lots of heavy furniture and two stairwells......huge foyer and upstairs hallway, 8 closets to carpet..............

I could see hubby burning a fuse at the per square foot cost, plus the installation cost, plus the padding.............but the wood or laminates would be even more cost and more time consuming.....

I feel like just selling as is........it is a beautiful home. Huge property.
Just been watching too many of those decorating shows.
The younger folks are too fussy.

When we bought all of our homes in the past, it was a "no brainer" that you weren't buying someone's furniture or color scheme......and that you would "make it your own"............but times have changed.

Any opinions would be helpful. I plan to put in wood floors in the home we buy in The Villages.......if not already in them............but carpeting would be easier here.........as there are tons of heavy furniture to find a place for when whatever flooring is going down............

At our age now, not looking forward to everything on end all over the place..........some of it could go out on the new screened in 3 season porch...........young friends of ours said also that the furniture could go out into a "pod"........what have you all done?????

We have a two week famly vacation in Maine upcoming........so everything has to be done before and after..........

Gracie, I saw the photos of your newest house; your wood floors are gorgeous. I'm tired of washing tile........even with my Shark steamer and my new "mint" robot........wood is really beautiful...or laminate.

THANKS IN ADVANCE. All opinions welcomed.


Sell your house as-is. No hassle, you get what it's worth. Of course the realtor will tell you to invest 30-50k in upgrades of which you will recoup no more than 80% gross and additionally loose another 6% to the realtor commision. Stop watching HGTV.

[ssmith]

...it may also depend on the area you live in and the type of buyer who may buy your house. ie if everyone in the neighborhood has granite etc then perhaps you should do granite or be willing to sell at a lower price.

I live in a freestanding Villa in the North and most likely my buyer will not be a younger person.

When we did some upgrades we kept in mind what we liked but also who the next buyer would likely be.

[njbchbum]

am contemplating selling our house at some time in the future and thinking of an ad something like this:

for sale, 3 br/2ba mini seashore victorian. not an hgtv home. no open floor concept. please do not schedule a preview if looking for that. flooring allowance. one mile from beach and walking distance to middle/high schools

another alternative ad would be: half acre lot for sale - one mile from beach and within walking distance to middle.high schools. throwing in house for same price.

[Buckeyephan]

I agree that I wouldn't have done major upgrades. It's very risky to guess what a buyer will want. Although ours likes the new carpet, she is going to take out the dining room part of the great room and match the hardwood to the kitchen and entry. Young grandchildren who are messy eaters. She's moving that carpet to the basement. Our carpet was 15 years old as were the appliances so they were past their expiration date. They would have been a huge negative to buyers. The big remodels were done 5 years ago and we have thoroughly enjoyed them. My sister faces a different dilemma. She is a very heavy smoker and her house reeks. The old carpet covers hardwood, the wallpaper is striped and she will have to sell it as a fixer-upper. Frankly, I wouldn't even walk through the front door if I smelled it. She will have to find just the right buyer or take a hugely discounted price. Everyone has to weigh the choices.

[senior citizen]

.........

[asianthree]

Kids are coming next month to get the basement empty of hoarding over 20plus years...what to sell, what to donate, what to dumpster and what to pack for TV..it should be interesting

[senior citizen]

.........

[senior citizen]

..........

[Bonnevie]

and unfortunately, buyers may not realize what's really more important....I may not have granite but I have hurricane coverings for all my windows, a new roof, and a hurricane rated garage door....living near the coast this gives substantial home insurance discounts....but buyers want a pool....and I don't have one....
and again, everyone I know who has a pool, after a few years wishes they didn't have one....

[senior citizen]

..........

[T-325]

Spent the last several months throwing out all of our treasures (or at least thats what the wife calls them)

Once the house is de-cluttered then only do the minimum. Give the new buyers a chance to build some sweat equity. Of course you have to price the house appropriately.

We downsized by 75% and are living in a 2 bedroom apartment that reminds me of a Marriot timeshare. Feels like I'm on vacation.

T-325

[ilovetv]

Do not do carpets here in florida, take the money, and tile your whole house

Only if you want it to look and feel like a hospital kitchen or operating room.

Even the TVRH hospital here has wood laminate floors in patient rooms and it's very nice.

[TrudyM]

So I won't say what I am doing (probably wrong anyway) But I will tell you that beautiful pictures of the view the property, your new deck and the pool on a website is worth it's weight in gold. My family is from New Hampshire and listing with a local agent did nothing to sell their property. The agents (especially in a small town like the one we lived in) don't want to spend the money to market a house that will sell for 300K. Our family's sold with a picture of the mountain from the back porch in the Sunday Boston Globe. Your market are those wanting to escape the city I would think. Just saying. Try that and great pics on Zillow which you can add yourself and put the link in the adv. Just what worked for us. Oh and the baby blue carpet we had a company dye it tan for about twice the cost of a shampoo. The buyers tore it all out and put in aged looking hardwood. go figure they wanted an aged look I wouldn't get involved too much in updating other than painting. I started remodeling 5 years ago so now I have to finish in order to sell. My advise don't start unless the rug is shag. By the way where are you from I am from Sunapee and the rest of the family is in Hanover at the college (where houses are going for big money compared to 10 years ago)

Just my experience of the goofs I have made and am still making.

[Barefoot]

It's true that most purchasers will want to change things in a house they buy to "make it their own". However most purchasers want "move-in condition", and may find it hard to see past your orange shag carpet and flowered wallpaper. If you offer fresh paint in neutral colors, and a clean neutral carpet, they can take their time and save their money to install hardwood, etc.

[debron911]

Great suggestions. We live in mid-Michigan and it is a buyers market here. We spent $2,400 on new granite countertops which really updated our kitchen with the solid oak cabinets. The older countertops were tired looking and I know after buying 15 houses/condos that the kitchen usually hooks the buyer or turns them away. I agree with most folks here, the buyer will make an offer based on condition so if you choose to invest in new carpeting, the chances are they will rip it out anyways as most want hardwood or laminate these days. If the carpeting is really bad talk to your realtor about putting a "flooring allowance" in the listing.
Finally after three months we sold our home and took a hit on the price but we already bought a place in The Villages so we decided rather than carrying our northern home all winter it made sense to get it over with now. Good Luck - wish you a quick sell.

[batman911]

I believe it would also depend on the condition of the carpet. A dirty or stained carpet is a big negative for prospective buyers, allowance or not. It will make the whole home look bad.