Everyone wants to make a good first impression – in job interviews, when introduced to new people or showing off your home to buyers. In all these cases, planning ahead can be beneficial – professionally, personally or financially.
While this may be a sellers’ market, we must always recognize that to get top dollar on a home one must first put in some effort to prepare it for sale. This includes all areas of the home – inside and out.
Here are eight important – and generally inexpensive – aspects of improving the look and feel of the home before it goes on the market (in no special order):
A fresh coat of color
One of the most common ways to boost the look and feel of a home is with a fresh coat of paint. Nothing says clean, modern and appealing than a home that is free of dings, scratches and chipping. Find neutral colors to play up the rest of the home and maintain a lighter feel. There’s nothing wrong with going a little bolder on the exterior of the house – as long as the color fits in with the rest of the street. Remember: The colors are trying to appeal to the greatest number of buyers. Doing it yourself will obviously save you money, so plan this project well ahead of selling the home.
Appliance checkup
The family uses that microwave every day. You may enjoy baking salmon in the oven once a week (like me!). You may think the appliances are working just fine, but they can run their course. Are they from the George W. Bush Administration? Then it may be time to replace that GE for an LG. Appliances are not inexpensive but, when new, they help showcase a home. Consider purchasing a set of matching brands and styles for a harmonizing look to the kitchen or laundry room. A full set of kitchen appliances (fridge, range/oven, dishwasher and microwave) can easily run $4,000 or more – but the return on your investment may be greater if the items are making your home stand out from the crowd. If a full appliance refresh is not in your budget, then consider replacing the oldest of the group and feature in the home listing. Or, have an appliance repair person offer a maintenance check to replace filters and examine parts that often break.
Knobs and handles
One of the simplest and generally inexpensive upgrades for a home is changing the handles and knobs on cabinets, drawers and doors. It’s a simple way to update those worn fixtures and show a consistent look throughout the home. Just make sure you match the new styles with the home…and don’t hesitate to show photos of the cabinetry and doors to your local hardware staff to help make your home’s essential pieces look modern and appealing to buyers.
Better bulbs
Consistency should be the theme when prepping your home. That includes installing the same light bulbs in rooms. Mismatched, missing or burned out bulbs are some of the easiest fixes to a home. Why not buy a bunch of bulbs – at the right intensity – to avoid those puzzled looks from buyers when touring your home. Also look at updating the switch and outlet plates – especially when cracked or disfigured by age.
Curb appeal
Curb appeal starts from the ground up – literally. We just covered this topic and it’s a good idea to review our tips and tricks for improving the look and feel of the home from the outside as well as inside. It’s also smart to consider improved outdoor light figures for that stunning look at night. Buyers may drive or walk by to see the home in the evening. Why not add some ‘Wow!’ by installing a row of solar-powered lights along a walkway or at the base of your favorite tree?
Updating your front door
The front door can say a lot about the home and its owners. The color, style and construction all speak to buyers who walk over the threshold into your home. Painting the door a warm color that accentuates the rest of the home can make a difference between walking or driving by a place or deciding to check out a newly listed home. Replacing a door is an option but that step can run you about $2,000 installed, based on national averages.
Clean surface beneath your feet
Updating your flooring is one of the most common home improvements before putting a place on the market. It only makes sense – and it’s typically a wise investment to attract buyers and, most importantly, offers on the home. Consider replacing worn carpet and choose neutral colors that keeps buyers’ eyes up at your home’s features rather than down toward the rough rug. At the very least, give the existing carpet a steam-cleaning before the home is photographed for the listing. No carpeting? Then consider a thorough cleaning of the wood (or engineered wood) surface for a nice look before opening your door to buyers.
Bathroom upgrade
This one can be controversial. The bathroom is generally a busy hive of activity most days – especially if you only have one and not living alone. It is always wise to make changes to the room where possible. This could be as simple as adding new caulk around the tub and sink to replacing the noisy exhaust fan. Want to go bigger? Think of updating the vanity mirror or sink/mirror combination. Don’t add more shelving if you know it could be removed before you leave for good.
Budget some of your savings toward making these straightforward improvements. The more effort you put in, the greater chance of getting top dollar from a winning buyer.