3 Easy Improvements to Help Sell Your Home
Let's take seasonality, market trends and interest rates out of the equation for a moment. No matter what state the current economy is experiencing, at any given time, someone is selling their home. People always move in any in any market, and homeowners can up their odds that a home sells as quickly and as for as much money as possible by giving it a few easy improvements.
The focus of sellers on home improvement should be geared toward projects that either add value to the home or projects that pique buyers' interests. Make improvements that attract the buyers' eyes and cause them to forget any other houses they viewed.
Sellers should steer clear of home improvement projects based on their own preferences. After all, the new buyer will be living in the home. Tour open houses in your community (especially new construction) and compare features to get a better idea what is trending and what people in your area are buying. A screened porch may be a popular upgrade in a Southern suburban community, for instance. But in a Northern area, a hot tub will have much greater appeal.
Here are three home-improvement project categories that almost anyone can tackle without a large capital investment.
Curb Appeal is King
Wow potential buyers as they drive up to your home, you will not have another chance to make an impactful first impression. After all, if buyers don't like what they see right away, they may not go inside to find all the things that make your home great.
You do not need to run out to the nursery and plant expensive trees, install a fountain or do any other fancy upgrades. Actually, some of the most impactful ways to boost your curb appeal cost very little and will not require an excessive amount of your time.
While your home is on the market, keeping the lawn mowed is essential - tall grass is a sure turn-off for buyers and will immediately give the wrong impression. Healthy potted plants and flowers are a must and keeping them watered is a must. Pruning trees, shrubs and other greenery is easy to overlook, but it is one of those touches that is sure to make your home stand out. Use a pruning guide, like this one from Better Homes and Gardens, to get the maximize your efforts.
Freash mulch is another often overlooked landscaping area that will have a tremendous impact. Not only does it make your plants look neat and stand out, it helps protects roots, discourages weeds, and conserves moisture. You can choose between all-natural mulches (pine straw, pine bark, shredded wood mulch) and decorative mulches, such as stones, lava rocks or rubber.
Purchase outdoor containers that complement your home's style and plant some interesting greenery or flowers that will add a splash of color. Place the containers on the patio or near the home's entrance to create a more appealing first impression.
Cleaning up your home's exterior will send a message to buyers that your home is well maintained. Spend a weekend cleaning out gutters, washing windows and pressure wash your siding, among other exterior items. Pressure washers can be rented if you do not own one and will give your home a sparkling clean look.
A Fresh Coat of Paint
A fresh new coat of paint makes anything look better and brighter. If you are serious about selling for top dollar, no other project will improve home's value more with a comparable investment. New paint will attract buyers and give your home a 'new' look.
Choose neutral colors, such as beige and off-white. Avoid vibrant or 'strong' colors such as orange, purple or red. It is okay to strategically add a splash of color here or there just be sure to stick with complimentary hues that are not to vibrant. A tip from a paint pro is to choose a color from the brochures in the home improvement stores, where the complimentary colors are already chosen for you.
Before painting, outside or in, ensure that the surface is clean and properly prepared. Use a primer to cover previously unfinished areas or bare wood, to better cover over dark or bold colors, or to block out stains. Inside your home, sand surfaces slightly if you don't use a primer, to help paint adhesion.
Kitchens and Bathrooms sell Homes
Upgrades to Kitchens and Bathrooms typically will generate buyer interest and offer a high rate of return on investment when it comes time to sell your home.
These updates don't have to cost a fortune or require a messy, lengthy remodeling period. In many cases simple changes can affect the entire feel of a room. Do as much, or as little, as you choose—just don't get too attached to the results.
Upgrade fixtures by switching out the generic faucets with newer, better-quality fixtures. Select a style you saw while touring the open houses in your community. The builders will be using what buyers are attracted to currently.
As long as you're replacing faucets and such, why not replace the bathroom or kitchen sink as well?
Refinish or paint solid wood cabinets, newer cabinets often require refacing with veneer instead. Veneer kits make the job fairly simple. Again keep in mind neutral colors are the 'safe' choice and complete a makeover that any buyer will appreciate.
Replace laminate with stone, tile or even a concrete countertop. If you have old ceramic tile, clean or regrout to refresh the look. If your home is not in a price segment that will benefit from solid countertops, consider new laminate with a more modern pattern or color.
Replace out-dated light fixtures with more modern choices or ceiling fans. Replaceexisting fans with sagging blades or out-dated styles with new modern choices. Consider swapping old light switches with dimmer switches or energy-saving, programmable lighting controls.
Consider today's energy-minded consumer by highlighting energy efficient features such as programmable thermostats, upgraded insulation and proper weatherproofing as they are are music to many buyers' ears.
Sure you can hire professionals to do the work for you, however rolling up your sleeves and doing it yourself will provide 'sweat equity' and increase the rate of return on your investment. Each of the easy improvement projects will surely increase the value of your property, no matter where you live, and help you sell your home faster.
You can find many other great tips for sellers here on my insider tips page.
If you want to know the value of your home in today's market or are looking for advise on how to sell your home for the most money in the least amount of time: Click here or call Alan Brock at 252-215-5599.
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