When to Start Renovations Needed to Sell a San Diego Home

The right time to start renovating for a sale can be a tricky question to answer.  San Diego homeowners who plan on selling their home may be tempted to start renovations as soon as possible so they are out of the way and so they can use the new features for a while before they move out.  The only problem with renovating too soon is the fact it may no longer look freshly renovated if the homeowner decides to start these projects too early.

More Than Seven Years

A San Diego homeowner that is able to plan more than seven years out will certainly be ready to sell their home once the time comes.  At this point focus on landscaping. Planting new trees or bushes just before selling can actually make a lawn look worse. Allowing these new additions to grow and settle in years before selling is ideal. It also makes sense to focus on additions that anyone will like and enjoy to have in the yard.  

Two other major areas to look at outdoors are the roof and the garage.  A roof is usually good for twenty years. It is a project with a high price point but San Diego buyers love to hear that the roof is still in its prime.  

The garage door will make the house look better. Buyers absolutely hate to hear a squeaky or see a broken garage door when they walk through.  

Both of these items are ones that can be replaced well before selling and still be in great condition once the San Diego home is listed. 

Five Year Mark

The time is ticking away and some of those larger expenses should be taken care of.  Start to look at the plumbing and HVAC systems. These items can last for a long period of time.  

If they have never been replaced since the San Diego home was first purchased they may be going on their last leg.  Replacing these items can lower utility costs and give the homeowner a selling point for buyers looking for reliable systems.

Revisit items that may be running out of time on their warranty.  Anything that has broken over the years and been ignored needs to be replaced or at the very least repaired.  

Similar to the garage door, switching out the front door can really change the look of a house.  Replacing the door can help welcome in the new San Diego buyers.

Getting Serious At Two Years

While two years sounds like a long time it really is not a lot of time to complete San Diego home projects. When within two years of selling a San Diego home this is when a homeowner can consider their large renovations like updating the kitchen or bathroom if they choose to do that type of project.  Avoid anything too trendy as these fads may change before the house hits the market.

Start to purge unwanted items in the house.  Keeping a San Diego home organized and clean is key to selling it quickly.  The sooner a homeowner starts to organize the easier it is to get the whole home in sale-ready condition.  

At this point, it is a good idea to get an inspection on the home, as well.  This allows for ample time to address any major problems that have popped up.

Under a Year

The one year mark is the time where San Diego homeowners really start hitting the pavement and making changes to their home.  This is the time the San Diego home should start to neutralize. Freshen up the rooms with neutral colors in décor and in paint color.  Even consider redoing the flooring whether it is finishing a hardwood floor or carpeting other rooms.

Getting ready for a San Diego home sale is something many homeowners do in a matter of a year or even months. Although a smart homeowner will have it planned out when they are ready to move on to their next home. Starting even ten years before a sale is imminent can help to space out the projects that need to be completed and take the stress out of selling a San Diego home.