While you may be anxious about putting your house on the market and moving to a new home, there are all sorts of things you’ll need to do beforehand to ensure that you can sell quickly while getting the asking price you’re looking for.
Aside from finding a trustworthy realtor, decluttering, and maybe rearranging to make your home look more spacious, you’ll also want to take the time to update certain areas of your home to boost its appeal for interested buyers.
Here are 6 areas of your home you’ll want to update before putting it on the market.
1. Replace Broken & Old Appliances
There's nothing that dates a kitchen more than old appliances. Before selling your home, replace any old or broken appliances. Since the kitchen is the most widely used room in a home, you want it to look as updated and modern as possible. Updating appliances before putting your home on the market also makes it more move-in friendly.
When upgrading appliances, select a finish that goes best with the look and feel of the kitchen. Stainless steel is quite popular but white and even gray appliances have started to become trendier.
2. Any Roof Problems
If your roof is 20 years or older, be sure to have it inspected before putting your house on the market. Most roofs have a lifespan of around 30 years so if you’re nearing end of life, ensure the roof still has a few solid years left in it.
Since roof problems typically have to be fixed before selling a home, you can speed up the process by fixing any issues before listing it. Hire a qualified roofer look for any signs of leaks or sunken areas that may be problematic in the future. It's also important to have any loose, cracked, or broken shingles repaired.
3. Wall Flaws
After living in a home for just a few weeks, you can guarantee for there to be all sorts of marks and dings on the wall. Years of being in the same home means that the walls have likely taken quite the beating!
Before putting your home on the market, take the time to properly address any noticeable wall issues. Any cracks or holes in the wall should be properly patched and repainted.
While updating the walls, consider a fresh coat of paint throughout the house. A neutral beige or gray creates a blank slate for future owners.
4. Windows & Sliding Glass Doors
If you’ve owned your home for a few decades, chances are you never got around to replacing the windows. As windows start to age, the barrier they once provided starts to weaken. The caulk, which seals the window, can start to peel or crack and the seal between the panes can break.
While this isn’t a big problem when the weather is nice, during the hotter and colder months, the HVAC system will have to work even harder to cool or heat the house. As outside air is let in and inside air is let out, you’re left with drafts and air leaks that make it harder to maintain a steady temperature in the home.
Older sliding patio doors can also have similar issues. To make your home more energy efficient for future owners, consider replacing old windows and sliding glass doors. Or, look into resealing for a more cost-effective upgrade.
5. Flooring
No one likes to walk into a home with shag carpet or worn hardwood floors. A home’s floors show pride of ownership, so it’s important that they look as nice as possible.
Before you invite prospective buyers into your home, take time to make the floors look as nice as possible. Replace old carpet with a neutral color. Replace hardwood planks that are worn, cracked, or chipped.
If flooring is old, worn, or extremely damaged, a full replacement may be best.
6. The Exterior
While you’ll likely put money and elbow grease into updating the inside of your home, you don’t want to forget about the exterior. A home’s curb side appeal is what grabs a prospective buyer’s eyes and interest. No matter the season, your home’s exterior should look polished and well-kept. This includes freshly mowed grass, flowers and shrubs, and maybe even a new top layer of mulch.
Have an older deck or porch? Apply a fresh coat of exterior paint or stain to breathe new life back into these extended living areas.
Conclusion
When you’re ready to sell, you want to do everything in your power to sell as quickly as possible without having to negotiate on the sale process. The best way to boost your home’s appeal is to renovate certain rooms and items to achieve a more contemporary look.
What home improvements and renovations are you eager to undertake on your home? Leave us a comment with your best remodel ideas in the section below.
