Not every person looking for a house wants to buy a furnished apartment. Some people like the appeal of historic homes, so if you are selling an old house, don’t worry about finding a buyer. There will be several potential customers interested in your house, but they will need assurance about a few things before they make the purchase. Here are 4 tips for selling your old house as a ‘hot commodity’ instead of a rundown place:
1. House Maintenance Checklist for Selling an Old House
Most buyers want to avoid renovations after they make the purchase. If they can get all the electrical and plumbing problems sorted before moving in, the house becomes more appealing. A buyer is especially concerned about these issues with older houses, so you must present your house as their dream house. Here’s what to check for:
- Insulation
Old homes get uncomfortably drafty, so people do not buy houses like that anymore. If you have insulated your old house from attic to basement, then you are good to go.
- Windows
Old windows are part of the charm of an old house. Yet, the buyer might not like the old and heavy window treatments. They might want lighter coverings, and some would prefer to keep the windows bare.
- Plumbing
After loving the old-house vibe of your home, the buyer will ask about the plumbing. Don’t forget to tell them about the age of pipes, water pressure, and any faulty connections. They’d also like it if you have a water heater installed.
- Wiring
Selling an old house will be difficult if you have outdated electrical wiring that does not support modern devices, like a WiFi modem or the latest coffee maker. Call for electrical system inspection and get the wiring updated. Then show it proudly to your potential customer.
2. Historic Charm
If buyers are looking for an old house, they are probably interested in the old home design. You can use your house’s charming looks to your advantage. If you have original old floorboards that creak, use it as a selling point. If some famous historical person owned the house or it was part of an important event, highlight that.
Having trouble figuring out the historical architecture? Here is some identifying information and there are other resources as well!
3. Exterior Look
Just because your house is older, it does not have to look old! If the house looks its historic self with the bright outlook of a modern world, it will sell quicker. Invest in some paint job and fix up the landscaping to improve the appeal of your house. It won’t take away the historic charm but will add more value to it.
4. Up-To-Date Décor
Your sales pitch does not have to include the outdated décor of the house. An old house will not lose its appeal if the interior is updated to match the historic value of the house. You can restore the wallpapers, install new kitchen cabinets, and use energy savers for better lighting. Highlighting the best features before selling an old house is important to convince a potential buyer to make a purchase. From maintenance to the décor, anything can influence the person interested in your house, so keep it updated from the inside out. Good luck!
Bottom Line
Looking to sell your old home or buy one? Gregg Sutter can help you! With 45 years of combined experience as a builder and real estate agent, you couldn’t ask for anyone more knowledgeable. Contact him today.
