6 Easy Improvements to Increase Your Home's Value
/
You never get another chance to make a first impression: Most buyers have made their mind up whether they will offer on a house when they are standing outside the front door. If the entry is a mess, it leaves a terrible first impression. Paint or stain your front door; add polish to brass fixtures, fix numbers and door knobs; trim the bushes; plant flowers; spruce up mulch and have a great, new welcome mat.
Cut the clutter: You are moving, so get going. Minimize personal items so the home feels light and airy. Have a garage sale or rent a dumpster and declutter. Straighten cupboards, closets, offices and get rid of as much stuff as you can. You are going to have to move it eventually so you might as well get the benefit of your house showing well.
Clean and shine: Make sure your home is spotless and fresh smelling. Hire a carpet cleaner, clean the windows, wash the walls and make sure any odors are good ones. No pet smells, smoke or moldy odors. Careful not to overdo the air fresheners.
Paint: This is probably the most cost effective tool in your arsenal. Bedrooms can be left out if needed but make sure your paint is fresh. Spackle walls and fill holes and then pain in neutral colors like grey, beige or white, especially in high traffic areas.
Fix anything that needs fixing. The saying goes if it aint broke don’t fix it, thats true, but if it is broke, fix it. Nothing makes a buyer feel like a house has been neglected more than seeing a needed repair.
Pay attention to the bathrooms. Bathrooms can sparkle with a minimal investment in money. Replace vanities, soap dishes, wall coverings, light fixtures. Replace any worn caulk and replace showerheads and faucets with new ones. Think hotel clean.
