In a very competitive real estate market, one of the things that's vital to your success is how well your home shows in relation to the rest of the inventory for sale. There are simple things that you can do to improve your chances, and maybe put a few extra dollars in your pocket at the same time.
Maybe you're not even thinking about selling your home right now. When the time comes, however, these lost cost improvements could make a difference.
First impressions are always important so you want to make sure the entry to your home shines. As the buyer approaches the front door, the last thing they want to see is an old, worn door with cobwebs hanging from above.
Right off the bat, most buyers are going to assume that if the home is not well maintained on the exterior, the interior won't be much better.
The Entryway
Painting the front door or even replacing it if it's beyond help can make a real difference. A nice shiny door set always stands out. If you have vinyl siding and haven't cleaned it in a while, mildew, dirt and grime can accumulate. Giving it a quick spray can surprisingly make a big difference in your home's appearance.
Plant Some Color
Planting some flowers around the entryway can really make your property come alive. Choose a variety of colors that really stand out. Adding a few potted plants in a covered entry or a large enough stoop is always a nice touch, too.
Fix Up the Baths
While remodeling a bath is one of the best home improvement projects to get the most return on your investment, it may not work in your current budget. But if you have gold toilets and sinks from the 70s, it may be time to let go and move on to something that 99 percent of the population likes better.
Have a gold shower too? There are low-cost alternatives to ripping out the shower. There are specially made bath fitters that are designed to go over a shower. New faucets are another low-cost item that can make a difference. Silver and nickel are "in" right now; brass is less popular. Changing towel racks, toilet paper holders and shower heads are also nice touches for little expense.
Paint Those Walls
Painting is one of the cheapest, most effective improvements you can make in your home - especially if the colors aren't neutral to begin with. I know you love the pink entryway and purple bathroom, but most buyers won't love it as much.
I know you think painting is cheap and that the buyer can just do it later. Most people think this way, however, there are many people who don't have the vision. They need to see it done. Painting your home off white or in earth tones is the best way to go. Remember: you're selling your home to appeal to the masses.
Address the Flooring
Flooring is a little more expensive, but will bring a better return on your investment - especially if you're still hanging on to the orange shag. Even if you have more modern carpet but don't have enough in the budget for new carpeting, a good cleaning by a professional can help dramatically. The same can be said for wood floors, too. A good scrubbing can go a long way.
Clean Your Windows/Treatments
Cleaning your windows can really spruce up your home. A bright home always shows far better than a dungeon. Removing heavy drapes and curtains can help, too, and breathe new life into your home. It's far better to have nothing than to have a pattern that was popular 20 years ago.
Change Old Lighting
Lighting is a subtle enhancement to make, but a buyer will notice if a home's lighting is outdated. There are some great lights that can be purchased rather cheaply in many lighting stores. Even little things like upgrading to brighter bulbs can help.
Dark or poorly lit rooms turn off most homebuyers. Although it's a little more expensive to add, recessed lighting can really change the look in a room. Recessed lights work especially well in kitchens and baths.
Declutter Your Home
This one can really go a long way. Buyers like spacious rooms they can envision their own belongings in. Getting rid of things you don't need or can put into storage while your home is on the market can transform the appearance of your home.
Hold a yard sale for those items that still hold value. For things you want to keep but will spoil how well your home shows, get a POD (portable on-site storage) or consider putting your stuff in a short-term storage facility.
Remember: not every improvement has to be expensive. Sometimes it's the small things that make the biggest difference in a buyer's mind.
By Bill Gassett
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