If you’re in the process of selling your home (or thinking about it), you might be thinking about what kind of remodeling you should do to put your home in the best light. As a rule, you should never undertake any big remodeling projects before putting your home up for sale, but there are a few things you can do with just a little bit of money to make your house more appealing on the market.
I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again, one of the least expensive ways to increase your property value is to paint the walls! Neutrals are key, but don’t just buy a bucket of white and paint everything… that’s boring! Browns/beiges, grays, and even some shades of blue and green can be considered neutral. The idea is to get rid of any extremely personal colors in the house – you might love your red living room, but chances are most of your potential buyers won’t. Another relatively easy fix that will attract buyers is nice flooring. If you’re lucky enough to have hardwood under your carpeting, rip it up and have the floors refinished. If hardwood isn’t an option, consider replacing your carpeting for a fresh look that will attract buyers. To save money, go for a mid-range carpet, but put the best padding you can afford underneath… this cushiony layer really affects the look and feel of the carpet. Updating your light fixtures can also really improve your home’s salability. Replace any dated fixtures with something more classic for an instant pick-me-up. Pay special attention to the lighting in your kitchen, bathrooms, and hallway. You want your home to be well lit so that buyers can see it, don’t’ you? And while we’re discussing fixtures, if your bathroom or kitchen seem dated, changing out the hardware for something new can make a big impact for not much cash. If you can swing it, switching your old faucets with something newer can give new life to a room. My final budget suggestion is another one I’ve mentioned several times before… check your curb appeal! Most potential buyers will judge your house on their first impression, which is the outside! So be sure your home is putting its best foot forward by trimming any hedges/bushes and trees in the yard, mowing the grass, trimming any weeds, and edging your driveway and sidewalks. Power washing your side walks can make a surprisingly big impact too. Finally, invest a little cash by painting the front door and placing some potted flowers by it. For maximum impact, change out the hardware on your door with something new and think about getting a new mailbox. Finally, be sure that your house number is visible. If it isn’t, buy some new numbers and hang them immediately!
Since none of these projects cost all that much, the best part about them is that you’re pretty much guaranteed to recoup your cash when your home sells, which will probably be a whole lot sooner than if you hadn’t made the changes in the first place!
Looking for an agent who can help you with more great tips? Give us a call at Cooper Realty Associates and put us to work for you – 302-629-6693.