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DFW Real Estate Articles: 2008
Sell the Garage!
© by Mike Stevenson
In the last thirty years, American homes have expanded in size and multiplied in amenities. One of the more recent crescendos has taken place at the end of the driveway. The garage has become the outward symbol of inward sufficiency. First there was one... then two... now the three-car garage is no longer an unfamiliar sight. Anyone wanting to "keep up with the Jones'" should move ahead to a five-car garage -- because the four-car is already starting to become stylish. Where will it end?
All kidding aside, the garage is an important part of the house – and becoming more so because it can provide so much. Families with teens (and older) living at home are glad to have the extra car space when thunderstorms brew into hailstorms. The additional storage capacity of a larger garage is always welcome and with homes being built on smaller lots,
the garage often doubles as a workshop for those do-it-yourself projects. The popularity of SUV's has made the "standard" garage width pretty crowded. More and more people are looking for oversized garages even in the traditional two-car style.
Real Life Story
With all the benefits afforded by the humble garage, why is it that people ignore this splendid space when it comes to selling their homes? I don't know how many times I've seen a lovely house on the market with a garage that looks like a battleground. Here we are, looking through the house – the kitchen – the utility area – eh ohh – what is this? Hmm... "Houston, we have a problem." Do you realize what a great impression a house can make with a pristine garage interior? Opening the garage door and finding a neat, clean and organized garage might have put this house "under contract" (to receive an offer) instead of being cast as "just another one."
Final Thoughts
The moral of our story? Sell the garage! No, I don't mean separately from the house, I mean use the garage as a selling point instead of just letting it remain neutral -- or worse. Have a garage sale... empty the clutter and make some money at the same time! Repair and paint the interior walls. Sometimes new homes are sold with the garage interior walls not only unpainted, but totally unfinished. If your garage is like that, finish it out -- add the wood trim and paint it. Put in some additional light fixtures if needed. Clean up any oil spills and make sure the garage door(s) and opener(s) are adjusted and working properly. Finally, sweep-out the dust, leaves and insects and clean any windows you may have.
Your garage is an important part of the house - working for you every day. If you will, you can make it work for you again when it's time to sell your house. Just a little bit of effort can turn your garage into a great selling point – instead of allowing it to turn into a stalling point.
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