If you’re getting ready to put your home on the market, you’ll want to take the time to clean it thoroughly and make important upgrades. A few touch-ups will go a long way toward improving the value of your home, hopefully making the resale process a quicker one. First impressions are critical, so start with the outside and entrance way of your home, then work your way inside. Follow these tips for specific areas to pay close attention to:
Make Your Front Yard Look Great
First impressions matter when it comes to viewing a potential new home, so make an extra effort to spruce up your front yard. Grass should be free of weeds and well-maintained, and shrubs should be cut back. The front porch and exterior of your home should be cleaned or, better yet, power washed if possible. Displaying accent plants will help add a touch of sophistication to your property’s exterior.
Get Rid of Personal Items
Help potential buyers envision themselves living in your home by removing as many of your family’s personal items as possible. Make sure shoes, clothes, and jackets, etc. are stored away out of sight. The same goes for bags, loose paperwork and food! For neat and stylish storage for a hallway, living room, or bedroom consider a large leather ottoman.
Paint Your Walls
Painting your walls with a fresh coat of paint will help breathe new life into your home. Consider repainting colorful walls in neutral colors such as gray or blue. This will help give your home a more modern appearance and avoid any immediate turnoff if a potential buyer does not feel the same way as you about a specific color choice. Don’t forget to paint your trim – details like this will not go unnoticed by a potential buyer.
If it’s Broken – Fix It
If there was ever a good time to replace broken or outdated items in your home, now is it! If your kitchen is outdated, why not replace older cabinet knobs with contemporary brushed steel or chrome ones? Buyers notice these small details. Also, consider adding modern bar stools to your kitchen like the stylish bar stool. If you’re planning on buying new furniture for your next home, consider removing the old pieces now and renting modern items, such as a white sofa and chairs or a dining table to freshen up your home for selling.
Clean Your Floors
Consider steam cleaning the carpets in your home to make them appear as new. If your home has hardwood floors, give them a deep clean and apply a coat of wax for extra sheen.
Freshen Up Bathrooms
There’s nothing worse than walking into a dirty bathroom. Make sure your bathrooms have been spotlessly cleaned and are smelling wonderful. Add fresh accessories to your bathroom shelves or sink, like scented candles, soft washcloths and hand towels. Adding a touch of faux greenery will also help freshen up the bath space.
Bring Nature Inside
Finally, brighten up your home by bringing nature inside. Add a vase of fresh flowers to your kitchen, or place a couple of tall faux fiddle leaf fig trees in your hallway. Greenery dotted throughout your home represents energy, prosperity, and overall good health.
While preparing your home for resale does require some strategic planning, additional time and resources, it’s worth the extra effort to help improve its appearance. Follow these recommendations to make sure your home is ready to sell and the viewing process runs as smoothly as possible.
