How to Prepare Your House For Sale

TOM: Well, in many parts of the country right now, real estate is a buyer’s market. Sellers may need to take a few extra steps to make sure their homes sell quickly and for the desired price. Here with some tips on how to do just that is Kevin O’Connor, the host of This Old House.

Hey, Kevin.

KEVIN: Hi, Tom. Great to be here.

TOM: So, where do we begin.

KEVIN: Well, you know, there are a lot of simple things that you can do. Let’s talk about landscaping. Think about replacing tired, overgrown foundation plantings because that can make a huge difference to the outside of your house. And you know, minor kitchen remodels can also have one of the highest returns on investment; so consider painting your cabinets, replacing the faucet or a sink or even installing new cabinet hardware.

TOM: Now, I was a home inspector for 20 years and always wished that more home sellers would get those inspections early on so they would have a heads-up as to what to expect when the buyer’s inspector walked in the door.

KEVIN: You know, it’s a great point. Most people think that the inspection is something that the buyer is going to do but if the seller does it, it gives them a chance to get out in front of any issues that might derail a sale because it’s always better to know about them as early as possible.

So, for more simple ways to add value to your house, watch our videos on ThisOldHouse.com.

TOM: Good point.

Kevin O’Connor from This Old House, thanks for stopping by The Money Pit.

KEVIN: Thanks for having me.

LESLIE: Yeah, you know that inspection idea is really worth it because you’re going to know exactly what those potential buyers will come up with when they conduct their own inspection and you can be ready for it.

TOM: Yeah, and that’s the best time to fix it is before they find it and then everyone’s sort of looking over your shoulder to make sure that that job is done correctly. You’re better off just getting it done before they walk in the door in the first place.

Hey, for more tips from the guys at This Old House, you can watch them on This Old House Television which is brought to you by Cub Cadet. Cub Cadet – you can’t do any better.