It’s common for home sellers to make big, sweeping improvements on their homes right before they sell. But while it’s true that buyers may prefer a kitchen with stainless steel appliances and granite countertops, you won’t recoup the cost of that major upgrade when selling.
If you’re hoping to sell in the next year, it’s best to put your money towards small changes that have a big impact. Here are the six best DIY tips to prep your home before selling.
Pretend to be a buyer and pull up to your house.
Imagine you’re seeing your home for the first time. Make sure it looks clean and inviting by cleaning the sidewalks, and trimming or updating the landscaping. Pro Tip: Buyers are naturally drawn to unique front doors, so consider painting yours a complementary fresh color like teal, red or yellow.
Paint only what’s needed inside.
Try to avoid repainting every room, if you can. Focus on touching up the areas with scuffs or holes from previous wall hangings. Exception: It’s important that your wall colors be neutral so buyers can see your home as a clean slate. If you have bold or unique walls, repaint the rooms so they don’t stand out. And yes, this includes kids’ rooms.
Quick kitchen updates.
Buyers love an updated kitchen, but it’s not worth your money to gut the whole thing. If you have old wooden cabinets, consider painting them white, and adding new hardware and a chic backsplash. If your lighting fixtures scream mid 90’s, replace them with inexpensive modern versions. Pro Tip: The cheapest way to create a modern look in an outdated kitchen is to replace your countertops with laminate. A variety of fresh laminate countertop options are available at a fraction of the cost of marble or granite.
What’s not worth fixing?
Unless you’re planning to stay in your home for a few years, don’t bother with an addition or attic upgrade, home office revamp, swimming pool or full kitchen remodel. These projects will cost more than they’ll earn you back upon resale.
Wash your windows.
Buyers “love” light and there’s no easier way to add light to a room than to make sure the windows are clean. Be sure to wash both inside and outside, and consider hiring a professional if you have hard-to-reach windows.
The garage is not a dumping zone!
The last thing you want potential buyers to think is that you don’t have enough storage in your home. If need be, rent a storage unit for any furniture or boxes that don’t fit easily in your home and garage. Buyers may need a certain number of garage spaces for their vehicles or even a boat, so it’s important they see each stall ready for use.
T
ake the home out of your house.
The family photos in your living room and years’ worth of cluttered memories and memorabilia are a wonderful part of your life, but are not helping the potential buyers visualize themselves and their lives in the space. Clearing out some of your prized possessions can help your buyer place themselves in their prospective new home.
Half empty the closets.
Storage sells, but packed closets make it look like your home doesn’t have much room for a buyers’ things. Showcase your closets by taking half of your belongings out of the closets, then neatly organizing what remains. Another nice touch is to swap out cheap plastic hangers for wood ones, as they give a high-end look to closets.
To learn more helpful tips or to find out more about what Century 21 Semiao & Associates can do for you, contact us!
