- Declutter, stage, and deep clean the house to create a neat, orderly space.
- Spruce up the exterior with landscaping and a fresh coat of paint for the front door and windowsills.
- Upgrade lighting, appliances, and other features in the home to make it more energy efficient.
- Give the kitchen an update with new countertops, cabinets, and appliances.
- Take smaller steps such as updating door handles and drawer pulls or changing the color of walls.
Selling a home is one of the biggest financial decisions a person can make, so it’s important to ensure you’re getting the most out of any potential sale. While many things affect how much your home will be worth, here are five tips that could help you get a better return on your investment when it comes time to sell.
1. Declutter, Stage, and Deep Clean
First impressions matter when it comes to selling a home! Potential buyers will look at your home critically, and having a neat, orderly space will go a long way. Spend some time decluttering and getting rid of any unnecessary items that may be cluttering up the home. Also, consider staging the house to create an inviting atmosphere for visitors. Finally, make sure you clean everything — carpets, windows, and appliances should all get special attention.
2. Spiff Up the Exterior
Curb appeal is vital when it comes to selling a home! Taking the time to do some landscaping or giving things like your front door, windowsills, and shutters a fresh coat of paint can make all the difference in how potential buyers perceive your home.
Here are some factors to revamp your home exterior:
Landscaping
Making sure the lawn is mowed and neat can create a great first impression for potential buyers. Planting colorful flowers in flower beds or adding decorative shrubs can instantly spruce up the look of your home’s exterior.
Driveway
If you have a driveway, cleaning it up and sealing it if necessary can quickly make your home look better. Utilizing seal coating can help reduce wear and tear on your driveway, keeping it looking sharp for years to come. Sealing the surface of your driveway is also an effective way to prevent water damage, oil stains, and cracking.
Decorative Elements
Replacing old or broken window shutters and adding decorative elements like stone columns or a picket fence can boost your home’s exterior. Decorative elements can also be used to create a unique look in any garden or outdoor space.
Roofing
Repairing any roof damage and ensuring it looks clean can help draw buyers’ attention. Adding a fresh coat of paint to the roof may also be necessary. Newer materials like metal and asphalt shingles are also more attractive to buyers. It is essential to check for any water damage or leaks, as any water damage can be costly to repair.
3. Upgrade Your Lighting and Appliances
If you’re looking to increase the value of your home before you sell, consider upgrading some of its existing features. Replacing old, outdated light fixtures or appliances with newer models can be a great way to instantly up the appeal of your home. Make sure you’re opting for energy-efficient options to help cut down on utility bills while adding value.
Updating the lighting and appliances in your home can also be an excellent way to improve its overall look and feel. You may want to choose a style or color scheme that will fit with the rest of the decor in your house, as this can help create a more visually appealing space for potential buyers. Even something as simple as adding a dimmer switch can make a world of difference in how the home looks.
4. Improve Energy Efficiency
In addition to swapping out old appliances, there are other ways to make your home more energy efficient. Installing insulation, weather stripping on doors and windows, and replacing single-pane windows with double or triple-paned ones can help keep your home running efficiently — and save potential buyers money in the long run.
You can also invest in smart thermostats and LED light bulbs. Smart thermostats allow you to adjust your home’s temperature without lifting a finger, while LED bulbs use far less energy than traditional incandescent or halogen lighting. Installing programmable thermostats and motion sensors will help reduce energy costs by automatically turning off lights and adjusting the temperature when no one is in the room.
5. Give Your Kitchen an Update
The kitchen is often a home’s focal point, so it’s essential to ensure potential buyers are impressed with what they find here. Consider giving your kitchen an update with new countertops, cabinets, and appliances — this could be the deciding factor for many potential buyers.
In addition to countertops and cabinets, there are other ways to update your kitchen to make it more modern and attractive. Adding a backsplash or replacing the floors with updated materials like ceramic tiles can be less expensive than new appliances but just as effective in making a statement. Consider even smaller changes, such as updating door handles and drawer pulls, installing a new kitchen sink and faucet set, or changing the color of your walls with a fresh coat of paint.
Final Words
Selling a home can be intimidating, but these five tips can help you get the most value out of your sale. From decluttering and deep cleaning to spiffing up the exterior and giving your kitchen an update, these tips can help ensure that potential buyers are impressed with your home. And with a little effort, you could increase its sale price and attract the right buyer for your home.
