Before you put your house on the market, take a little time to make some cost effective improvements to spruce things up. There is no need to do a complete upgrade or remodel. Look to your real estate agents for some economical suggestions that will be worth your return on investment. Here are some ideas that may increase the value of your house and add curb appeal.
Pay Attention to the Landscaping
The exterior of your home is the first impression potential buyers will have. That initial impression needs to be inviting and let buyers know that you care about maintenance so that they will want to come inside for a further look.
Cut your lawn. Weed your gardens and put mulch down. Trim bushes and dead branches from trees. Hose off your hardscapes so that they look cleaner. If you have a wood deck, consider giving it a new coat of sealer to brighten it up.
If gardening isn’t your thing, consider hiring a landscaping company to clean up the property and plant some fresh flowers. It will be well worth the money for a day or two of skilled work. Your real estate agents should be able to help you find a good and affordable landscape company for hire.
Paint Inside and Out
A very simple, yet effective, way to brighten up a home is to add a fresh coat of paint on the exterior. Or, have the house power washed.
Paint any interior walls and ceilings that are looking dull or neglected. Choose lighter tones that make the space look well lit and bigger. Make sure you do this well in advance so the house doesn’t smell of fresh paint when people walk through.
If you aren’t keen on painting, spend the money to hire a professional so it gets done quickly and properly.
Wipe Down Cabinetry
While it is true that many buyers may want to upgrade kitchens and bathrooms, it is still a good idea to wipe down the cabinetry. This is not hard to do. Just clean the faces of your kitchen cabinets and bathroom vanities with a water and vinegar solution to remove grease, grime, dirt, and fingerprints.
Tend to Your Floors and Carpets
If you have carpet over nice hardwood floors, consider removing it if it is worn. Have the wood floors sanded and sealed. Most buyers want to know what is under wall-to-wall carpet. Show off those wood floors if you have them.
If your floors are tile, stone, or concrete you could benefit from having them professionally cleaned. You might even consider regrouting a tile floor, especially in bathrooms.
Clean and deodorize the carpets. There is nothing more unpleasant than a dirty carpet that emits odors. You can hire a professional carpet cleaning service or you can rent a steam cleaning machine and do this yourself. To keep allergens down and have the house odor free, periodically freshen up the carpets
naturally with a mixture of baking soda, diatomaceous earth, and essential oils. You sprinkle this on the carpets, leave it overnight, and vacuum up the next morning. This will get rid of dust mites, mold, and the whole house will smell great. Here is an easy recipe.
Service HVAC Systems
You likely already have a service contract for your heating and cooling systems. If you haven’t already had them serviced, call your utility company and get all systems clean and working efficiently before the house goes on the market.
Bottom Line
Simple maintenance and upgrades to your home will improve the chance of selling to the right buyer and getting the price you are hoping for. Leave yourself plenty of time to do research and get proper estimates for the work.
