Home Improvements Before Selling
Presenting a home for sale that is “move-in ready” is very important in today’s real estate market. Do consider that custom work may appeal to your tastes but may not appeal to everyone looking to buy your home. If you are planning to sell your home and know that you may need to make some home improvements first, here are some strategies that will make your home more appealing without breaking the bank.
Painting
Paint can brighten a room as well as make it look bigger and cleaner. Consider repainting throughout in neutral colors to make your home truly ready for any buyer, no matter their color preference.
Floors
Check underneath existing carpet to see if hardwood floors are hiding below. If so, consider taking the carpet out and having those hidden gems shined up for a quick sale. If carpeting must stay, hire professional carpet cleaners to eliminate stains and get the carpets in spic-and-span condition.
Declutter
Decluttering alone can bring in dividends. Clear flat surfaces of personal items to help your buyers picture their things in their new home. Remember, clutter can give the impression of disorder and dirt, and can also make a room feel smaller.
Kitchen
Update the hardware on kitchen cabinet doors to dramatically improve the look of your cabinets. If your cabinets are still looking a bit worn, consider a refacing or cabinet-front replacement — or a paint job — which can cost a fraction of the cost of entire cabinet replacement. Update the sink and/or faucet in the kitchen. Improve lighting with a new fixture or add fixtures to ensure all countertops are illuminated.
Baths
Upgrade shower curtains and rods, towel rods and toilet paper holders. These inexpensive upgrades can create a little shine and modernity to a room that hasn’t been upgraded. Be selective about upgrading plumbing fixtures, as they can be expensive. Brass is the thing of the past, so go for nickel, silver, or oil rubbed bronze other than gold-colored fixtures.
If you have an odd-colored sink or toilet (think harvest gold!), consider a neutral color replacement or plain white. Many sinks can be dropped into existing counter tops.
Don’t replace your discolored tub if it is in good condition otherwise; instead, hire someone to refinish it — in a safe, neutral color.
Other Rooms
Replace light fixtures and ceiling fans with sleek more-modern styles. Replace electrical outlet covers to match throughout a room — or the entire home. This inexpensive little touch can make a noticeable difference.
Hire professional house cleaners to keep your home sparkling from the minute it goes on the market until it’s sold.
Outside
Powerwash your siding, patios and decks. Keep these areas tidy while your home is on the market.
Plant some colorful annuals in pots or in front-yard flower beds to add color.
Think warm colors to invite buyers in.
Trim bushes and trees if they block any windows or walkways. Clear out brush upon trimming or hire professionals to evaluate your entire outdoor landscape.
If you would like to learn more about selling your home, have EXPERIENCE on your side! Through proven performance since 1986, REALTOR Connie Shuping, successfully delivers the results you want. Connie’s expertise, education, experience, attention to detail, and highly ethical and professional approach to selling real estate puts her a cut above the rest. Visit Great Triangle Homes to learn more.