Selling your home can be a stressful process, and the idea of making improvements or repairs before listing your property may seem overwhelming. “When getting a home ready for sale, time and budget constraints often determine what can be achieved,” explains broker Andrea Saturno-Sanjana of Coldwell Banker Warburg. Instead of investing a significant amount of money and time to maximize your home’s value, here are some quick and simple tips from experts to attract great offers from potential buyers.
Meet Our Experts:
– Andrea Saturno-Sanjana: Associate Real Estate Broker at Coldwell Banker Warburg in New York
– Mary Hall Mayer: Real Estate Agent at Coldwell Banker Warburg in New York
– Parisa Afkhami: Real Estate Agent at Coldwell Banker Warburg in New York
– Bryson Taggart: Third-Generation Realtor and Senior Development Manager at Opendoor in Phoenix, Arizona
– Michael Gifford: CEO and Co-Founder of home equity firm Splitero in California
Enhancements for Curb Appeal:
While your home may be immaculate inside, it’s essential for the exterior to be equally appealing to draw in potential buyers. “Curb appeal is crucial as it forms the first impression for buyers, both when driving by the neighborhood and viewing online photos,” says Saturno-Sanjana. Some multiple listing services require the main photo to showcase the exterior of the home.
1. Landscaping Upgrades:
Apart from keeping the lawn trimmed, enhancing landscaping can significantly enhance the exterior appeal. Mayer recommends trimming bushes and weeding flower beds. Consider DIY projects like adding new mulch, gravel, or potted plants to elevate the look. For larger properties, a landscaping design from a professional can yield higher sales prices and reduce time on the market.
2. Driveway Repairs:
Fix any chipped, cracked, or peeling driveway surfaces before listing the property to avoid inconveniences for the buyer after the sale.
3. Fresh Paint:
Upgrade your front door with a bold but neutral color or new hardware to create a welcoming entryway. Small changes like new house numbers and outdoor lighting can enhance the home’s charm, day or night.
4. Door Updates:
Replace faulty or old doors, as this can offer a high return on investment according to industry data.
5. Cleaning and Decluttering:
Keep your outdoor spaces tidy and clean, including raking, mowing, and power washing to add a fresh look and appeal to your home.
To achieve a cleaner appearance, it is recommended to focus on cleaning the driveway, front walkway, and siding. Remove any clutter such as piles of bricks, unfinished projects, and children’s toys, and present outdoor areas like the porch or patio in a staged manner similar to a living room.
Home Staging
Whether done professionally or through a do-it-yourself approach, staging your home is a simple way to attract top offers.
1. Decluttering
Start by removing personal items like photos, artwork, and decorations to help potential buyers envision themselves in the space. “Clear out personal belongings, especially family photos, as they can distract buyers from focusing on the property,” suggests Mayer.
2. Hiring Professional Stagers
Professional stagers can provide furniture to enhance the appeal of your home and cater to a broad range of buyers. “Staging a home for sale is essential as it allows buyers to picture themselves living there, making the property more appealing and potentially increasing its value,” says Michael Gifford, CEO of Splitero. Staged homes tend to sell faster and at higher prices by emphasizing the property’s strengths while minimizing its flaws.
3. Thorough Cleaning
Whether you opt for staging or not, thorough cleaning is crucial to impress buyers. Mayer recalls a ranch home that sold quickly due to its immaculate condition, despite outdated furnishings. A clean and well-maintained interior can significantly enhance the appeal of your home, attracting multiple offers.
Home Improvement Projects
Certain projects may require more effort but can significantly increase the value of your property.
1. Upgrading Lighting
Enhancing lighting can create a warm and inviting atmosphere preferred by buyers. Switching to compact fluorescent bulbs or LEDs is a cost-effective and eco-friendly way to improve your home’s lighting.
2. Incorporating Smart Technology
Including smart home features, such as thermostats and security systems, can enhance the value of your property. Energy-efficient upgrades are particularly appealing to buyers looking for year-round comfort and functionality.
3. Renovating Kitchens and Bathrooms
Although costly and time-consuming, renovating kitchens and bathrooms typically yield high returns on investment. These upgrades are known to enhance the overall appeal and value of a home.
When it comes to selling your home, focusing on the kitchen and bathrooms can yield the best return on investment, as advised by Mayer. Renovating these areas tends to be the most disruptive and costly, given that the renovation crew often needs to move through the entire house to access them. Additionally, a finished basement can add significant value to your property.
When selecting paint colors and finishes, it’s essential to consider the broad range of potential buyers you want to attract. Opting for neutral and timeless finishes in both the kitchen and bathrooms can enhance the appeal of your home to a wider audience. This approach helps ensure that the upgrades resonate well with various buyers, ultimately increasing the home’s marketability and resale value, according to Taggart.
If a full renovation is not feasible within your budget, consider giving your space a facelift instead. An inexpensive remodel may involve updating hardware, countertops, cabinet faces, appliances, flooring, and applying a fresh coat of paint, as recommended by Gifford.
Similarly, making a few key upgrades in your bathroom can significantly enhance its overall appeal. Simple tasks such as regrouting, tub reglazing, and updating the vanity light fixture can go a long way in revitalizing the space, as suggested by Saturno-Sanjana.
For more detailed insights on improving your home for potential buyers, refer to the original article on Better Homes & Gardens.
