Going through a divorce is tough; it is also a costly process, which is why many divorcing homeowners choose to sell their home. And, they want to do it fast. The good news is that Pittsburg residents will enjoy a booming housing market, as recent statistics show that the Pittsburgh housing market trends increased 8% or $12,215 in median home sales in 2017. Also, the average price per square foot increased from $115 to $122. So if you’re in a financial bind because of the divorce, you must do what you can to increase the curb appeal of your home and put it on the market at a much higher value.
In the United States alone, there were 813,862 divorce cases in 2014. And according to the American Psychology Association, about 40% to 50% of married couples divorce. Divorce is an option many couples choose, but it is an expensive option at that. Not only is divorce emotionally draining, it is financially draining too. Whether the marriage ended happily or badly, the process will still greatly impact an individual who goes through it. One of the easy ways to finance a divorce is to sell the couple’s home. And if you can sell it for a much higher price, then you should do that. Increasing your home’s curb appeal will help you earn more from the sale, and at the same time, make your home more attractive and lucrative to buyers, especially if you want it sold as quickly as possible.
Get It Landscaped
Your home’s exterior is what you need to work on to get a buyer’s attention, so you must improve your lawn’s appearance. Just to give you an idea, you should invest 10% of your home’s value in professional landscaping services. This little investment will give you at least a 150% increase in your home’s value. Make sure the grass is healthy and trimmed, and there’s a good mix of flowers and shrubs. Adding garden furniture like outdoor benches, sofas and dining sets, or even an outdoor fountain will add tons of appeal to your lawn. However, do be careful to not overdo it as prospective buyers steer clear of lawns that look too high maintenance.
Freshen Up the Paint
Nothing makes a home sparkle more than new paint. Buyers are easily attracted to a newly painted house, while appraisers won’t hesitate to instantly increase the value of your home. How much will you spend on paint? Of course, the cost will vary depending on the size of the house. But a rough estimation of a 3,000 square-foot home is around $1,500-$3000 for the paint service, while its $375-$600 for the paint. It is always a good idea to apply fresh coats of paint to revamp the look of your home, but don’t change the color too much, or don’t change it at all. Appraisers aren’t fond of wild or unusual colors on houses.
Fix that Roof
Never ever forget the roof. It may not be leaking, but the roof deserves your undivided attention. You must hire a professional to check the roof closely to see if there are any shingles missing, if the gutter needs replacing or if the roof needs replacing already. Sometimes, replacing shingles will be enough as it is costlier to replace the entire roof. Additionally, get your roof pressure washed to ensure a neat and clean roof for prospective buyers.
When increasing your home’s curb appeal, it is ideal to start with these three things. Once the lawn, paint, and roof are out of the way, then you can focus on the smaller things like clearing the walkway, keeping the driveway neat, fixing broken or cracked windows, and etc. Divorce is no easy process but if you can sell your home at a much better price, then this will surely help your finances. The Pittsburgh housing market is booming, so take advantage of this opportunity.
