Here are some improvements that will help you get the most money out of your home sale:
IMPROVEMENTS YOU CAN DO FOR FREE
- Pretend you are the buyer � When you live in a home you become accustomed to it and don�t see it the same way that an outsider would. You may not notice the clutter in the rooms or peeling paint, and you may have gotten used to living with the leaky sink faucet. Pretend you are a stranger walking into your home for the first time. Write down everything that you notice needs to be taken care of.
- Remove clutter � From living areas, bedrooms, closets and counters. Throw out stuff you don�t use and store what you don�t need. A good place to hide things is under beds.
- Don't forget the front and back yards! Remove decorations, statues, potted plants and put away toys, rakes, bicycles and other clutter. Keep your front stoop and door clean. Make sure your outdoor furniture is in good condition and arranged neatly.
LOW-COST IMPROVEMENTS
The front of the house is the first thing potential buyers see, making curb appeal absolutely critical. This first impression sets the tone for the entire showing.
- Paint the front door and replace the knob and knocker if they are broken or worn out. Keep the front lawn and flowerbeds well-maintained. Make sure the outside walls are clean. During the winter months make sure the driveways, paths and stairways are shoveled and free of snow and ice.
- Make sure your �For Sale� sign is clean and in good condition, otherwise people will think your home has been on the market for a long time.
- Floors � Make sure your floors and carpets are clean and in good shape. If cleaning floors or shampooing the carpets don�t do the trick, have them replaced or get estimates and offer the buyer a flooring allowance.
- Paint the interior � A fresh coat of paint does wonders and more than pays for itself. It makes rooms look cleaner, brighter and smell fresher. Use light, neutral colors.
- Windows � Have the windows thoroughly cleaned inside and out.
MORE EXPENSIVE, BUT WORTH IT
Most extensive renovations don�t yield an immediate return on the money spent. However, there are 3 exceptions worth the money invested.
- Make over the kitchen � Most experts agree that the kitchen is the most important room of the house when it comes to the home�s value. While the cost of remodeling a kitchen can be upwards of $30,000, a kitchen makeover can increase your home�s value at a fraction of the cost of remodeling.
- Refinish the cabinets, replace the countertops if they are worn out, and re-grout the tile floor. Replace the cabinet handles and sink faucet. Make sure the appliances are in working order and keep them clean. Keep the counters clean and free of clutter, and make sure the sink has no dirty dishes.
- Restore the bathroom � Next to a new kitchen, a bathroom makeover increases the home�s value the most. A basic bathroom restoration may do the trick inexpensively. Simple things like adding a new towel rack, replacing the sink and faucet, reglazing and regrouting the tub and replacing the light fixtures can make a big difference. Replace the shower door or curtain if it is old or dirty.
Keeping the bathroom clean is just as important. Make sure the mirrors, shower curtain or door, tub, sink and toilet are clean, keep toiletries off the counter and make sure towels are hung neatly.
PREPARING FOR SHOWINGS
- If possible, leave the home when buyers are viewing it. Many people feel uncomfortable if the homeowner is present and may rush through the home without appreciating its features.
- Make sure the home is free of any stale or unpleasant odors. A great way to make your home smell nice is to simmer a pot of water with cinnamon.
- If possible, keep pets out of the way. Take the dog out for a walk or put him outside for the showing. Keep kitty litter boxes clean and, if possible, out of sight.
- Make sure the home is well lit and that all lights work. Replace burned out light bulbs promptly.
With a little bit of time, work and money you can increase the appeal of your home and find the right buyer in a shorter amount of time. The time, money and effort will be worth it!