If you’re thinking of selling your home, it’s a great time. Home sales in the U.S. are surging and you might make a profit if you play your cards right. One of the best ways to set yourself up for success is to take the time to get it ready.
This includes basic repairs but it also means home improvements that you may not have considered. Keep reading if you’re ready to increase your home’s sale price and sell your house on the local real estate market.
1. Decluttering
One quick tip for selling your home fast is that there shouldn’t be any clutter. Home buyers want to walk in and imagine their own furniture and decorations in the space. You’ll want to make the house look tidy.
Decluttering is one of the most recommended methods to sell a house. Limit the number of personal items, such as family photos, it’ll feel cleaner and more open. Although it is tempting to take on the duty of decluttering on your own, it is better to leave it to the professionals.
Clearing your house of personal property and personal items can be an emotional process, not to mention time-consuming. A professional decluttering service isn’t expensive and can get the job done quickly. You want to do your best to make your house stand out compared to recently sold properties in the area.
2. Painting
If you’re looking for the lowest cost improvement with the highest rate of return, painting is the way to go. The best way to go about it is to do a nice coat of neutral paint, this will give the entire house a facelift. It’s also recommended that you give potential buyers a blank slate to work with.
Unsure of what color to go with? There are trained professionals that can give you recommendations. Every house has features that affect what the right neutral color should be.
If you’re on a tight budget and can’t hire a professional, the safest color to go with is gray. You can also paint it yourself if you’re not interested in a painting company.
3. Deep Cleaning
In addition to decluttering, a thorough deep clean is necessary if you want to prove to potential buyers that you care about the house. This is another task that you can probably do yourself but it never hurts to hire professionals for a few hundred dollars. It’s not as expensive as you think it is and they’ll be able to get it done faster.
If there’s any carpeting in your house, that should get professionally cleaned as well, especially if you have any pets. You can also replace it with new carpeting or a different type of flooring if the carpet is in particularly bad condition.
Deep cleaning your house will make your space shine, give the best first impression, and have your home sold fast. Sometimes this step can be easily overlooked, but the extra effort can have a dramatic increase in how smooth the selling process can go.
4. Bathroom Update
Although you could do a full bathroom renovation to help improve your home’s chance of selling and attaining your desired asking price, a simple update can make a huge difference. The exception would be a bathroom that is in poor condition or too old. In that case, a renovation might be in your best interest.
You can update your bathroom by replacing the mirror, vanity, faucet, or showerhead. New towel racks or a fresh coat of paint can also give the bathroom a new look. If your shower and tub look a little dull, you can reglaze them as opposed to fully replacing them.
5. Kitchen Refresh
In addition to the bathroom, you can give your kitchen a refresher too. This is easily done by making small changes, such as painting existing cabinets or replacing hardware. You can also replace the countertops if they’re looking old.
When it comes to appliances, there’s no need to replace them if they’re in good condition. You don’t need to splurge on new items, the new owners are capable of updating if they wish. The goal is to create a presentable house that will attract buyers and get you the highest sales price.
6. Landscape Your Yard
If you’re lucky enough to have a yard, landscaping can significantly increase the property value. Think about it, the front yard is the first thing that buyers see and if it’s unsightly then you’ll risk scaring them away before they set foot in the door.
Anything dead should be removed and anything overgrown should be trimmed. Make your lawn vibrant by planting grass seed or you may want to do edging to help define spaces. Adding straw or fresh mulch to any beds is necessary.
If it calls for it, subtle lawn decorations can add charm to your house. Be sure that it isn’t overwhelming or distracting. Curb appeal is crucial to setting a competitive price and standing out from comparable homes on the market.
7. Update Lighting
Another simple update that you might want to pay attention to and that can make a big difference is replacing lighting throughout a house. It can transform the feeling of your house, especially if the lighting is outdated. Look for different options such as ceiling fixtures, chandeliers, or pendant lighting that can bring intrigue to your home.
Keep in mind that the colors should be consistent with your home’s hardware. You don’t want to mix tones that clash. Once you find the right options, you’ll notice the difference immediately. As simple as this tip may be, you would be surprised at what improved lighting can do during home showings. Making a property bright and airy can make the house feel bigger and more inviting. Don’t forget to open some windows for that natural light if you are looking for a quick sale.
Selling Your Home Faster
Before you begin any renovations or minor repairs, be sure to understand your home’s specific needs and if there are any basic repairs that should be done first. If the big things aren’t in working order then the rest of the pieces won’t fall into place. You want to sell a house that will attract multiple offers at your asking price by taking a few steps and reviewing the finer points you should be well on your way to a speedy sale.
Potential buyers have expectations, they want to buy a home that is well maintained and livable. You shouldn’t upgrade the kitchen if the roof has a leaking problem.
The good news is, once the basic repairs are figured out the selling process will become much easier, you can use this guide to give you an idea of what to focus on next. Selling your home will be a breeze, all it takes is a few changes.