If you’re looking to sell your home (or just want to be prepared when the time comes) there are a few things you can do to help attract potential home buyers. Whether it’s adding a few new touches here and there, bringing an older, well-loved home back to its former glory or simply making it stand out from other listings on the market, these home improvements are sure to up your home’s ‘buyer appeal’ as well as your return on investment!
***It’s important to note that these are simply suggestions and are not necessarily required in order to successfully sell your home. Be sure to speak to your agent first so they can help you determine the best improvements to get your home ready to sell and stay within your budget.***
Curb Appeal is a MUST
When it comes to selling your home, first impressions really do matter. According to a survey from the National Association of Realtors (NAR), 71% of homebuyers consider curb appeal to be important when buying a home. Consider upping your landscaping by putting down new mulch or rock, adding some color with seasonal flowers (be sure to keep them watered and looking their best!), keeping the lawn in shape with regular mowing and edging, and cleaning up any weeds or other unsightly foliage (in the fall, be sure to grab a rake and get those leaves cleaned up!). The exterior of your home may need a little TLC as well. Giving your front door a fresh coat of paint or a good cleaning can go a long way in helping your home stand out and create an impressive first impression.
Everyone Loves a Great Kitchen
The kitchen is an integral part of every home, one which many potential homebuyers prioritize over other rooms. Consider sprucing up your kitchen with a fresh coat of paint, updated cabinet hardware or new tile backsplash. For a quicker sale, it is also ideal to replace dated appliances such as dishwashers, microwaves and ovens. However, keep in mind that replacing appliances is going to be fairly costly, so if it’s not in your budget, opt for a fresh coat of paint and a good cleaning to up your kitchen game without breaking the bank!
Light it Up
With showings often happening at various times of the day, you’ll want to take into consideration your home’s lighting, both interior and exterior. Updating light fixtures, replacing aged light bulbs (consider using energy efficient bulbs and fixtures to appeal to buyers!), and getting rid of dated curtains and blinds that may be blocking natural light are all inexpensive ways to upgrade your home’s interior lighting. Adding or updating outdoor lighting features, such as path lighting, can also go a long way in creating a welcoming impression (hello again, curb appeal!) and inviting potential homebuyers inside to see more.
Step Up Your Flooring Game
Your home’s flooring often has a great impact as far as first impressions go, especially if your home is vacant when selling. Floors are going to naturally take a beating over time, and if yours looks worn it could be a turn-off to potential buyers. A professional carpet cleaning is a must! But if your flooring is beyond reproach or severely damaged or stained beyond what a professional cleaning can take care of, it will need replacing. But do keep in mind this will be a considerable expense for any seller.
Nice Paint Job
The easiest and typically least expensive thing to do when listing your home is to freshen up the paint. A simple paint job can up your home’s ‘buyer appeal’ both inside and out! However, when it comes to painting, it’s important to choose your colors wisely. Not only can your color choice attract potential buyers, certain colors have the potential to increase the value of your home as well. Neutral colors are going to be your go-to—grays and beiges are really in right now. And it’s best to avoid white as it tends to look institutional. The best rooms for a full paint job are bathrooms and the kitchen, considering their importance to homebuyers, but a fresh coat of paint in every room and on the exterior of your home can go a long way in helping homebuyers envision themselves living there.
