This Is What You Need To Do Before Putting Your Home On The Market

Home remodeling reached well over $340 billion in 2018, so there’s no doubt that homeowners are investing in their properties! However, statistics indicate that those who implement high-end projects are seeing as much of a return as those who tackle smaller ones. With that in mind, there are several easy updates you can do that can increase the value of your home without taking on a major financial undertaking.

Before diving in, start by determining what your home is worth by using an online tool, speaking with a agent, and perhaps hiring an appraiser. After that, figure out how much money you’re willing to invest.

Paint for Appeal

Bold colors or dizzying wallpaper patterns aren’t going to win over any potential buyers, but before getting out your roller and tray, talk with your REALTOR® about which colors to choose based on the layout of your home, market, and what’s currently on-trend. For example, exteriors are more appealing if they have multiple colors, airy neutral hues can make a small space appear larger, and red is a turnoff all around unless it’s a front door. Don’t neglect the ceilings, however. A fresh coat of white paint can make a big difference.

Add Curb Appeal

Curb appeal is about much more than shrubs and flowers alone — but those are important, too. Consider repainting or touching up your front door and mailbox and make it welcoming. To go a step further, try updating address numbers, installing updated lights by the front door and on the garage, adding a fence, painting the foundation and window trim, power washing the house and deck, and repairing a cracked driveway or path. Adding edging/borders and strategically placing tasteful planters with greenery and buds is an easy way to incorporate flora — even if you don’t have a green thumb. Another great way to boost your curb appeal is to base your decor on the seasons — just don’t go overboard with holiday decorations. Of course, you’ll need to keep your lawn tidy as well, and you may want to pick up an electric mower. These mowers are lightweight and easier to start than their gas counterparts, making them ideal for quick jobs. 

Get a Professional Deep Clean

Perhaps one of the easiest ways to increase the value of your home and attract potential buyers is by making sure each room is as clean as a whistle. The best way to ensure that every nook and cranny was accounted for is by hiring a professional to conduct a deep clean. These experts are trained to deal with stains and clean those hard-to-clean places like the grout between tiles, baseboards, and ceiling fans — they can even make a refrigerator look like new. It’s money well spent to make an impression on home shoppers.

Look to Staging

While hiring a professional stager can be costly, consider it an investment in selling your most prized asset. Home stagers know all the tricks and have great ideas for making spaces in your home stand out. Oftentimes, stagers can look for ways to repurpose items in your home too so you aren't necessarily on the hook for purchasing more decor. In addition to staging, perhaps one of the most important things you can do is depersonalize, as it’s key that potential buyers can envision themselves in your home without being distracted by sports memorabilia and family photos. Don’t take this personally, as it’s just a part of the selling process.

Do the work now and it will not only show that your home is well taken care of, but it also puts you one step ahead of the competition. By following these recommendations, it will help you reap the benefits later when you’ve sold your home for the maximum sale price!

This article was courtesy of Alice Robertson.