With temperatures still dropping and snow still pilling up, it's all too easy to forget that spring is just around the corner. And after a three year, painful housing slump, many real estate experts are predicting that attractive mortgage rates, tax perks from Uncle Sam and lower home prices will create the best spring home selling season we've seen for some time.
This may be a much more pleasant experience for home sellers than it has been for the past four years. However, even with the market perking up, buyers may still retain the upper hand throughout all of 2010. Therefore, I'd like to help homeowners enhance their home's value without getting them deeper into debt and get it done by spring.
Inexpensive Ways to Enhance Your Home's Value:
Touch-Up the Exterior
The outside of your home is just as appealing as the inside. You want to give potential buyers a cozy and inviting feel. The exterior of the home is often the most overlooked area, yet the most important area for improvement. You can improve this area for the smallest amount of cash. Just touching up the paint on the front-entry of your home is an inexpensive yet effective way to make the entire property more cozy and inviting. Many people will know if a house is for them just by the upkeep of the outside.
Tidy up the Greenery
Trim up the lawn, flowers and hedges. This lets others know that they are well maintained and helps ensure them that your home is also well maintained. You can hire professional landscapers or get out the lawn mower and do it yourself. If your landscaping is concealing your home because it has gotten out of control, cut it back drastically or have it removed all together. You want just enough, not too much.
Paint the Interior
Slap on a fresh coat of paint inside your home. It's cost-effective and it makes your home more appealing to buyers. When choosing colors, be conservative. Your favorite color may not be the favorite of someone else. Therefore, it is safer to stick with light creams or whites.
Floors are Important, Too
Don't forget that your floors are important, too. Improving your home's floor condition is also a smart move for any seller. If you have hardwoods, give them a good buffing. If you have carpet, give it a good cleaning. If those ideas don't work, then you may have to consider replacing those areas.
Major Repairs
Since tighter lending standards are requiring higher down payments, many home buyers don't have much cash left over for home improvements. Therefore, if your home needs any major repairs, go ahead and take care of them before putting your home on the market. And always use a professional when needed.
Energy-Efficient Home Improvements
Energy-efficient homes are much more attractive to buyers these days. Improvements such as new windows are a huge plus and they come with federal tax benefits. These homes will also stand out from other listings.
New Light Fixtures
New light fixtures can be a low-cost way to add value as long as you don't get carried away with what fixtures you want. A nice new light fixture in the front foyer is very attractive to many potential buyers.
New Kitchen Appliances
Jazz up your kitchen with new appliances. There's no need to remodel the entire kitchen when you can simply update the appliances, cabinet fixtures and lighting. You can even do all this for under $1,000 if you shop around.
Freshen Up Those Bathrooms
Get rid of any mildew or mold stains in the bathroom. This will help boost your home's appeal. Do you have cracked or chipped sinks? Replace the whole thing. It's another inexpensive way to boost your home's appeal.
Good luck with your home sales this spring.
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