First and before anything else, you need the assistance of a real estate expert to get the right market value for your home. Like the people in Telluride Real Estate Corporation or those of Telluride Properties, a really professional real estate broker or agent can apprise you of the going rates for houses like yours in your district, even if these prices regularly change. When they tell you, however, the market value, remember they have a picture of the home in mind, and if your house does not measure up to it, then the value will be less. It is now up to you to raise the market value of your property to the best level.
Next, property values can depreciate and this must be borne in mind. If it is decrepit and uncared-for, with a lot of grass in the yard or clogs in the rainspout, then the value will surely be a lot less. The same is true if it is located in an disagreeable neighborhood or the house is constructed of quality materials. So do the needed adjustments for them in your asking price, or, if you want to raise your price, then obviously a few things should be done on the property you are selling.
Third, a house without problems sells better. No dripping faucets, leaky roof, stuck-up window sills, worn carpet or clunky water heater or radiator. Repairs are thus mandatory if you want a better price. Count up also the carhouse transformed into an office or bedroom, as they increase the actual functional area to the house. Keep in mind that restorations in the woodwork can be hidden with paint so that termite-eaten windowsill should be refurbished and painted over. On the other hand, simply restoring it shows you are conscientious about maintaining the house in tip-top status. The buyer who sees it will presume it is the same to all parts of the house.
Add-ons to the house can also raise its value. Got a pool? A deck or patio or porch? Maintaining your deck can increase your asking price. Spiffying up the yard does that as well. Trim the trees of deadwood, and mow the grass in the lawn. Rearrange the urns of plants in the lot boundary line or plant new hedgeplants along the fences. Get your home and your lawn great and your asking price will be great as well.
Finally, there are the undefinables. A property that is a part of history will decidedly sell better, so make that as a good selling item as well. Stress that part in history, no matter how minor and you have an edge.
Then remember that the price the property appraiser is not the final word on what price your home may sell; it is only in fact a beginning price. You can raise or depress that price by what you do or not do to your home before you market it. But then of course the final decision on the price to sell it is yours since you are also selling a part of your life and memories.