The housing market in Pierce County is booming right now. In addition to the normal spring quarter rise, the entire region is experiencing growth. This is resulting in home values rising all the way from Seattle to Centralia.

Sellers may want to put their house on the market immediately to tap into that buyer demand. However, according to experts at Boggs Inspections Services and real estate agents at Better Properties of Lacey, preparing your house before listing will increase value and will help the selling process go quickly.

Get the ultimate value out of your home and minimize headaches by using these five tips to make your listing stand out.

Boggs Inspection Services
The team at Boggs Inspections offer unbiased, professional assessments of your home. Photo courtesy: Boggs Inspection Services

Efficiency Upgrades

“For buyers, there is a large emphasis on home efficiency in today’s market,” says Nicole Braam of Better Properties of Lacey. “For a seller who’s considering building, remodeling or selling a home, getting a look by an inspector to find out how to improve your home’s efficiency is very important.”

Boggs Inspection Services owner, Dwayne Boggs, encounters energy efficiency concerns on a regular basis. He recommends having a pre-listing inspection to identify areas for upgrade before you list. These include switching to a ductless heat system or tankless water heater to add value. The modern look is appealing, too.

Safety Upgrades

All homes are required to have carbon monoxide monitors. Save a step in your inspection process and add them prior to listing. Check outlets in kitchens and baths to ensure GFCI outlets are in place. Swapping these out is simple and ensures safety in “damp” locations. Add an earthquake strap to your hot water heater and consider having your furnace serviced (or upgraded) prior to listing. These small upgrades add up to a big boost of confidence for potential buyers and show a level of home maintenance buyers will appreciate.

Roof and Gutters

A thorough inspection to ensure there are no leaks and no missing or damaged shingles will bring peace of mind to both buyer and seller. A roof can make or break a deal for some homes. Once your roof is repaired, remove the moss and clean out the gutters. Potential buyers will appreciate the extra bit of work making their new home move-in ready.

Curb appeal
Pruning and planting are an important part of curb appeal. Photo credit: Nikki McCoy

Curb Appeal

Ever heard the expression love at first sight? This applies to homes, too. Braam suggests sellers focus on making a positive first impression with these minor upgrades:

  1. Touch up or paint your front door. Bold colors tend to grab attention.
  2. Install or add new house numbers and outdoor light fixtures.
  3. Add or upgrade your mailbox.
  4. Add trees, shrubs or perennial plants for a fresh look. Be sure to keep plantings several feet from the siding and foundation.
  5. Plant colorful flowers in pots or beds.
  6. Consider adding bold and tasteful outdoor furniture to complement the home and help buyers envision themselves in the space.
  7. De-clutter your yard – always remember that less is more!

Pre-Listing Inspection

Boggs Inspection Services offers pre-listing inspections, the ultimate checklist for homeowners preparing to sell.

boggs inspection services
A pre-listing inspection takes the guess work out of potential issues with a home you’re selling. Photo courtesy: Boggs Inspection Services

“A pre-listing inspection is valuable to both the buyer and seller,” assures Braam. “The seller will be ready to list the property, be fully informed of what hidden issues may arise and have the opportunity to remedy those possible hidden problem areas prior to a buyer viewing or having his or her own inspection preformed.”

“It takes all the guess work out of it – everything is addressed,” says Boggs. “It’s already been looked at by an unbiased professional.”

The pre-listing inspection can also be shared with buyers, making your home more appealing to those looking for a problem-free transaction.

“This also could be of benefit to a buyer if they would like to use the seller’s pre-inspection when considering the home,” she adds. “They can avoid taking the time and expense to hire an additional inspection of their own, but rather use the seller’s pre-inspection to move forward with the purchase of the home.”

Even in a hot real estate market, sellers need to make their listing stand out. To maximize price while minimizing headaches, call for a pre-listing inspection from Boggs Inspection Services. Their professional assessment could mean the difference between a buyer choosing your home or the one down the street.

To contact Boggs Inspection Services, visit them online or call 360-480-9602.

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