If you’re trying to sell your home here are five things you should consider replacing before your home goes on the market:
1. Worn flooring… especially carpet. Replacing worn carpet is fairly inexpensive when you consider the amount of time your home could potentially stay on the market if the floors are turning potential buyers away. You don’t have to replace carpet with carpet either… consider wood or laminate alternatives which can be attractive to buyers. If you can’t replace the carpet in your home, at the very least, shampoo it and get out smell and stains, or even better, get it professionally cleaned. Dirty and worn flooring is a huge turn-off to potential buyers.
2. Wallpaper. Wallpaper is very personal to each persons taste, so if you’ve got any in your home (including borders) you should consider removing it and replacing it with a coat of paint. You want the potential buyers to see your home, not your personal taste, when they walk through the door. If you don’t want to take the time to remove all the wallpaper in your home, at the very least remove any that is peeling, cracked, or faded and paint those walls.
3. Outdated fixtures. I know I’ve mentioned this before, but changing out the hardware and faucets in your kitchen or bathroom can be an easy and relatively inexpensive way to make the room feel fresh. Likewise, changing out doorknobs, light switch covers, socket covers and lighting fixtures for new ones can give every room a little makeover. The little things really do make a big difference!
4.  Faded/old paint. Repainting is the most cost efficient way to get your home buyer-ready. By choosing warm, but neutral colors you can freshen up any space.
5. Personal décor.  You want potential buyers to envision your home as theirs, so pack away any personal photos and knick knacks. Remember, less is more when you’re trying to sell. Likewise, get rid of any potentially offensive décor, for example deer heads, gun collections, etc.). Remember, just because it’s your taste, doesn’t mean it’s everybody elses, and you don’t want to scare away potential buyers when you’re trying to sell!
Thinking of buying or selling a home in Sussex County? Give us a call at Cooper Realty Associates and put us to work for you – 302-644-2266.