Timing in Real Estate is Everything

Published by julia | Filed under Buyer / Seller Tips, Listings, Miscellaneous, Real Estate

Even when it is upgrading or remodeling

We all hear about how to wait for the right time to buy a home. Or when is the perfect time to sell a home. But what about the perfect time to upgrade your house? When will it start and when will it end? Very valid questions. I have the answers.

In these unprecedented times in our lives, everything has a perfect time where there is a lull in the action. A leveling out if you will. That time is now. Prices of building materials is lower and in greater supply. And finding someone to do the work is much easier than it has been in several years.

There are skeptics that will tell you not to hire ‘Joe the Plumber’ from the local classifieds to do any of your work. “If they aren’t licensed they can’t do the job” they will say. While probably true if you are building a house or adding a room. But if you need to change the fixtures in your bathroom because they are dripping circa 1980, Joe is your guy.

Regardless of who you want to do your task, whether it is a simple toilet change out or a complete bathroom upgrade, getting it done right and on a set time table is key. You don’t have to pay thousands more for labor just because Joe’s competition is a licensed general contractor. They need the work too and need to be reminded that you can have 5 other contractors at your door in a day.

And that is the next point, when to do this upgrade or remodel. If you think that the market for selling in your neighborhood is getting more favorable for sellers, then seriously consider the time in the very near future. If it is still a few months away, you have a bit more time. But you need to consider this so your house can be at the top of the list when the market is ready.

Another important point is to nail your plumber or contractor or whomever is doing the job down to a timeframe. If it is going to take 3 weeks to complete, from the first handshake to last mopping of the floor, they need to be held to it. Each remodeling job or upgrade comes with it’s own set oif problems, but a qualified person knows that from experience and will account for that in their bid.

Don’t get sidetracked and don’t let the jobsite go cold until the end is in site. You are the customer, but you are the boss too. Crack the whip if you need to keep the pace moving. Most remodelers understand this concept well, but need a little prodding sometimes. They know they don’t get paid until the job is finished and your seal of approval is put on it.

Now, here is where the timing can get touchy. Try to plan the end of this project a couple of weeks before an open house. This will keep the project looking brand new and not used. The sooner the better. If you coordinate this before you start the project, you have a better chance of having a good turnout after the project. Your due diligence will pay off here. Hire the right person that has the track record and references to back him up. Make sure he knows of this timeframe. Do it right and do it right the first time.

And finally, whatever you decide needs to be done to your house, make sure that you are as prepared as you expect the person doing the work to be. Bathroom projects require you to make other arrangements, maybe even staying at a friend’s house or a hotel. Be totally prepared for the cost, time, and possible setbacks that will accompany this undertaking. But if done right, your timing will be impeccable and will pay off in a shorter time.