I bought this house (1200 sq. ft bungalow, finished basement, three bedrooms, one bathroom, plus a toilet and basin in a huge laundry room in the finished basement, so technically 1 1/2 baths). It is on one acre on a country road.
I have done some improvements - ripped out grotty carpet in the bedrooms and put in oak hardwood to match the main living area, put in AC (hot humid summers make it necessary, plus buyers look for it). I have patched walls and repainted in the basement so it is now much lighter and more open. I am about to paint the whole main floor, which also means the dated wallpaper borders where wall meet ceiling in the kitchen, main bath, and bedrooms will be gone.
I am also putting in a new front walk this spring - when the previous owners added a garage, it went on the side of the house opposite the original driveway, so the old walk goes to lawn, and there is no walk to the driveway - this needs doing.
These are all things I have done for "me" but are also things that add value to the house. I do like it here, have integrated into my small town community, and normally would not be thinking of selling.
BUT - nearby local events are indicating that this is about to become a hot market, after several years of slow decline. This house is within commuting distance of the nearest major city (I know, I did it back when I was working) which is the one that is likely to have people leaving and looking for a new area. Much as I like it here, it would be nice to either be closer to the other nearby city, the one I tend to visit when I want city amenities, or actually live there (renting, now that I know my dog is a good apartment dog).
So - feedback - has anyone done this, simply put a house on the market because it seems to be about to be a hot market?
And given the angst I see from people trying to sell, is there any advice beyond the obvious (get the house in good shape for a building inspection, great curb appeal, make it sparkle, no pet signs when viewers come except for the partly fenced yard for the dog, be reasonably priced) that anyone would volunteer?