Are you planning on selling your home? Do you know it probably needs a few updates to sell for what you want? Here ar
Here are 10 easy and inexpensive ways to increase the value of your home:
1. FRESHEN UP KITCHEN CABINETS
If I had a dollar for every time a buyer said they wanted a “bright white kitchen”, I’d be able to pay for my next seller to paint their kitchen cabinets white. White cabinets are hugely popular, appeal to most buyers in any market, make the space feel more open and airy, and provide a fresh, clean look. If you currently have painted cabinets that are in need of a touch up or upgrade, consider painting. While accent colors on kitchen islands are currently popular (at least in my market), if you are selling try to stick to classic neutrals – grays or whites to appeal to the most buyers. But if you don’t have painted cabinets, make sure your stain is touched up and you’ve given them a good cleaning.
2. UPDATE CABINET HANDLES
Such a quick and easy upgrade! Ever notice the beautiful modern contemporary style handles in new construction homes? You can buy similar ones off Amazon for your entire kitchen for around $50 and completely change the look of your kitchen or bathroom.
3. ADD EXTRA OUTDOOR SEATING AREAS
A simple bistro table and chairs will do as it shows buyers coming through that they can easily entertain outdoors – something that is huge in my market!
4. UPDATE OUTLET & LIGHT SWITCH PLATES
Over time most plate covers and switches turn a funny off-white and stick out like a sore thumb. The off-white makes them look dirty even though they are not but thankfully they are easy and cheap to swap out. Usually less than a $1 a piece.
5. ADD MOULDING
Nothing classes up a room like crown moulding. Especially in rooms with high ceilings. If you have some extra money to spend on home updates before selling, consider adding crown moulding in the main living areas and master bedroom.
6. USE ROOMS FOR THEIR INTENDED PURPOSE
I can’t tell you how many times I have seen a dining room or spare bedroom used as an office or playroom. It is completely understandable when you’re living there, but when you are selling, buyers don’t want to imagine if their dining room table can fit if they are distracted by a ton of toys or imagine what size bed will fit in a bedroom. It’s best to make each room appear as it was intended when preparing to sell.
7. STOW YOUR PERSONAL DECOR ITEMS
I tell sellers all the time, home for sale design style is not the same as your personal design style. Buyers want to easily imagine themselves and their belongings in the home and that can be extremely hard to do when your beautiful family portrait collage is hanging on the wall or name plates on kids bedroom doors and vacation souvenirs are spread around the home. The less personalized the home looks, the better. Plus it makes things way easier as you’ll have less things to pack up in the future yourself.
8. UPGRADE YOUR FIXTURES & LIGHTING
Outdated polished brass faucets? Consider painting them or replacing them all together. It is amazing also how a new light fixture can completely change a space. Or if you are on a budget, consider painting them!
9. NEUTRAL PAINT
As mentioned previously, the less personalized a home the better and one of the easiest way to de-personalize is to repaint. Neutral white or gray appeals to most buyers and it helps de-personalize, freshen up, and open up a space giving your home a clean vibe!
10. ADD CURB APPEAL & UPGRADE YOUR LANDSCAPING
The front of your home is the first thing potential buyers see so make sure it is stately and welcoming. Add some extrapolate plants to the porch or entryway, paint the door, trim trees, and check your shutters. Replace or repaint as necessary. Pressure wash your driveway, brick and back patio. Touch up paint or completely repaint if needed. And last if you don’t have any front flower beds, consider adding them as it ups the curb appeal to make it more welcoming and look great in photos. If you do have flower beds already, make sure the edging is looking good and add fresh mulch (ideally right before listing).
And if you are ready to sell, give us a call! My team and I are on standby 7 days a week, ready to help you take the smoother road to sold!