Tips on Increasing the Value of Your Home

Preparing to Sell Your Property??? 

 Tips on Increasing the Value of Your Home

 1. Clean and De-clutter - Remove clutter by storing items in basement, attic or friend's home. Rent a storage space or sell excess items, if needed. Keep every room very clean during open homes. This allows potential buyers to have the ability to picture themselves living in your home and envision their own belongings there rather than your own. It also will help free up space and make areas seem larger.

2. Let Light In - Open the windows and let the light in. Replace any burnt-out bulbs and use higher wattage bulbs, if possible. Have defective electrical components repaired or replaced. Make sure skylights are clear and keep drapes open during the day.

3. Landscaping- Hire a professional to add landscaping to your home. You want your home to stand out for its clean and maintained appearance.

4. Plumbing and electrical -Consider repairing or replacing any defective plumbing or electrical items in your home. Make sure you have the right person for the job by getting several estimates.

5. Staging - Buy some fresh flowers, live plants and other decorations to liven up the home. Make your home look as though it is out of a magazine. You want someone to come into your home and see a picture perfect home.

6. Update kitchen and bath - This could be the most important udate you could do to your home in order to get the largest return. Update kitchen and baths by resurfacing cabinets or painting with neutral color. Replace toilet seats, dated fixtures and drawer/cabinet handles. Freshly caulk and redo grout in countertops, sinks, tubs and showers.  However, be sure not to go over budget. You do not have to have top of the line coutnertops and cabinets. It is better to just focus on having a modern vision while staying within a budget.

7. Paint interior - Repair any damaged interior walls by patching all chips, holes and cracks; then touch up or repaint interior walls with neutral color. This will add a clean appearance for very little cost.

8. Carpeting - If carpets are dirty, shampooing and/or spot removal should suffice. If there are rips, fading, heavy wear, smells or deep stains, replace with neutral color.

9. Flooring - Consider refinishing your hardwood floors. Most buyers do prefer hardwood floors, so highlight this it will only increase the value of your home.

10. Paint exterior - Repaint or resurface the outside walls of house, as needed. Patch and repair any damaged areas.