HEATHER MCDIARMID - THE FOR SALE BY OWNER GUIDE

• However, if buyers in your area are looking for one- or two-bedroom homes, an additional bedroom would be a waste of money. Do some homework. Find out configurations of rooms in nearby homes. Talk with a real estate agent about buyer preferences. They can help you determine whether you would benefit from a simple bedroom addition. Bottom line: if you need a significant boost to your home’s worth, adding a bedroom is one great way to do it. Mechanical maintenance is a must. It is easy to get wrapped up in the more visual aspects of getting a home ready to sell. But never overlook the upkeep of all the utilitarian aspects of your home.

Take a closer look at these mechanical features:

• electrical boxes and wiring • natural gas lines • plumbing • central heating and air conditioning system

If these components of your home are old, outdated, or not working properly, you are lowering your home’s price significantly. According to the National Association of Realtors®, 65% of home buyers surveyed were very concerned their new home had a working central air system. Of the 31 mechanical features inquired about in the survey, this was the most important one. It is true that people buying homes want to purchase something that reflects their aesthetic tastes and lifestyles. However, they also want a home that is safe and sound. Faulty electrical systems

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