Lowcountry Living & Real Estate

LLRE May 2019

A guide to Hilton Head Island and Bluffton area real estate, rentals and lifestyle

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When buyers purchase a home, they purchase based on their needs at the time. Maybe it's the high ceilings or the extra bedroom that can be converted into a home offi ce. ey envision how they'd like to see their home and get the best use of the space there. But there comes a time when homeowners outgrow their living area. Perhaps it's too big or too small. Maybe they need to relocate for a job or to move closer to family. Whatever the reason may be, preparing a house for the market can be tricky for some. Changes you've made, whether they were small or large, were customized to the way or your family wanted the home to feel. Now, the place you have called home for so long will become a house on the market again. at means it's time to view the house as an investment you would like to make money on. As your journey leads you to look for a new place to call home, you'll want to be prudent with your money while getting the maximum amount possible from your sale. We have seen many sellers make minor improvements to their properties and net great returns on those changes. Here are a few of those small improvements that you should consider when selling a home: 1) Improve your curb appeal. First impressions are everything, so take a fresh look at your property's curb appeal. Giving the front door a fresh coat of paint or replacing it with a steel door gives off a nice welcome to those who come to the front door. Power washing your siding on the house will give your property a nice, fresh look. Also, minor changes like putting out a fresh layer of mulch and keeping the grass and shrubbery cut can enhance your curb appeal and can help justify a decent asking price. 2) Upgrade your energy effi ciency. Not only will buyers notice the physical improvements to your property, but by addressing energy effi ciency, it shows you are a homeowner who is cognizant of small moves that save money in the long run. Improvements such as attic insulation, water heater upgrades and new windows can produce serious fi nancial savings on energy bills. In fact, depending on when these improvements were made, you can share copies of your energy bills with your real estate agent for potential buyers to see the savings from the improvements. 3) Improve your kitchen. Kitchens are one of the top focal points for buyers. Replacing cabinets may be more expensive than what you would like to spend on a property you will no longer live in, but consider replacing cabinet doors and accessories. Also, take a look at upgrading appliances and countertops. But, don't get too overzealous. Pick colors and styles that are neutral and not too over- the-top. Updating your kitchen can make a drastic diff erence in sale price. 4) Give your bathroom a clean look. e bathroom is another focal point for buyers. Simply re-grouting tile and removing or replacing caulk around the tub and toilet can make a big diff erence in the clean appearance and new feel of your bathroom. Replacing mirrors and modernizing sink handles and towel racks are also some minor changes that can give your bathroom a whole new look without breaking the bank. 5) Be ready with estimates. Although this is not a physical improvement, you can show buyers you did their homework for them by getting estimates for painting certain rooms or even adding a deck in the backyard. ose estimates can prove to be invaluable when it comes to putting a buyers' mind at ease who may be overestimating the cost for improvements. When making some or all of these changes, you need to remember to keep things neutral. You would hate to turn a prospective buyer away because of your choice of color or style. Understanding the process from the buyer's prospective will help sell the home quicker. ough many of these changes are small, some people may not have the budget to do all of them. It's important to talk to your real estate agent who can take a fresh look at your property and help you determine where you can get the best bang for your buck. (www.onlyinyourstate.com/south-carolina/sc-is-best-state-in-the-us/) gave Coolest State In America." vi es, friendly pe ople, Cole e Stevenson is the CEO of MLS of Hilton Head Island, Inc. and a CMLX3 Cer fied Council of MLS Leader. HHIMLS Serves Licensed Agents & Realtors® from the en re state of SC, as well as GA and If you're considering a move to the Hilton Head area, contact an HHIMLS agent. We have access to the latest data, inventory, and tracking trends to help you find your perfect piece of the Lowcountry. With the most advanced pla orms to make the process smooth and sim- ple, we're ready to help buy- ers and sellers. Turn to HHIMLS to make Hilton Head your home today. www.HiltonHeadMLS.com 22 Considering a move to the Hilton Head, Beaufort or Jasper area? Our Members access the latest Real Estate data services, inventory, and tracking to help you fi nd your place in the Lowcountry. We enable a smooth and simple process for buyers and sellers. Find an HHIMLS Agent on our APP and make South Carolina your home today! www.HiltonHeadMLS.com Colette Stevenson, CEO MLS of Hilton Head Island, Inc. and CMLX3 Certifi ed Council of MLS Leader HHIMLS serves Agents & Realtors® representing properties in SC and GA Tips for maximizing a property's online curb appeal Small Changes Net Big Returns

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