Jan Skrentny

I’ve mentioned in other posts that the motto of Prime Properties is “Transforming Real Estate.” The best example of that catch phrase realized is our Welcome Center / Sales Office – an eye-sore of an old gas station turned into a glorious craftsman style office.

But just recently I had another opportunity to demonstrate the value of that phrase. I was referred the home of two doctors from Redlands. They and their family had owned and enjoyed the lake view home for over 20 years but of late because the boys had grown and moved away, the house was not being used. The interior  was in excellent condition but the exterior had a lot of deferred maintenance that greatly reduced the value of the property – peeling paint, wood rotted decks, a dated feeling. Our agents estimated that in “as is” condition the home would sell for under $300,000.

But we calculated that if the doctors would spend money to fix, repair and repaint we could get them their investment back plus a fair amount more. A designer on our staff consulted with them about new colors for the home. We got bids from several builders and I over saw the repairs. In my next post I will show pictures to prove the point – the house turned out beautifully.

The doctors paid $20,000 for all new decks, paint, termite completion and exterior upgrades and before the house went on the market I got an offer of $365,000 for the property. Their $20,000 investment gained them a $45,000 profit in under one month.

Now not everyone has that kind of disposable funds available. But this is absolutely true – most buyers in this market want well cared for homes. Those sellers who are throwing their homes on the market in “as is” condition are lumping their most precious possession along with the banks repoes — also sold in “as is” condition.

You only get one chance to make a good first impression – use it wisely.

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