Buyer are attracted to well cared for homes, these homes tend to sell faster and for a higher price. Additionally, buyers feel more comfortable purchasing a well-cared for home because if what they can see is maintained, what they can’t see has probably also been maintained. In preparing your home for sale, consider:
- How much should you Spend – It’s usually less than you think.
- Exterior and Curb appeal – Very important for first impressions.
- Preparing the Interior – Keeping and staying in a tight budget is key.
How much should you spend
Spend as little money as possible, keep it simple. Most buyers will be impressed by a large remodel job or new roof, but they wont offer enough extra money to pay for it and keep in mind appraisals. A new roof is more of maintenance and upkeep than an upgrade. There is a big difference between making minor and inexpensive “polishes” and “touch-ups” to your house, such as putting new knobs on cabinets and a fresh coat of neutral paint in the living room, and doing extensive and costly renovations, like installing a new kitchen. Don’t hesitate to ask for advice.
Spend as little money as possible, keep it simple. Most buyers will be impressed by a large remodel job or new roof, but they wont offer enough extra money to pay for it and keep in mind appraisals. A new roof is more of maintenance and upkeep than an upgrade. There is a big difference between making minor and inexpensive “polishes” and “touch-ups” to your house, such as putting new knobs on cabinets and a fresh coat of neutral paint in the living room, and doing extensive and costly renovations, like installing a new kitchen. Don’t hesitate to ask for advice.
Exterior and curb appeal
Before putting your house on the market, take as much time as necessary (and as little money as possible) to maximize its exterior and interior appeal. Here’s a few tips that we find are cost effective and easy to do:
Before putting your house on the market, take as much time as necessary (and as little money as possible) to maximize its exterior and interior appeal. Here’s a few tips that we find are cost effective and easy to do:
- Keep the lawn cut, edged and watered regularly.
- Trim hedges, weed lawns and flowerbeds, and prune trees regularly.
- Check the foundation, steps, walkways, walls and patios for cracks and crumbling.
- Inspect doors and windows for peeling paint.
- Clean rain gutters.
- Inspect and clean the chimney (if applicable)
- Repair or replace loose or damaged roof shingles.
- Repair or repaint loose siding and caulking.
- Consider adding a few showy seasonal pot plants, near your front entrance.
- Keep your garage door closed.
- Store RVs or old and beaten up cars elsewhere while the house is on the market.
- Apply a fresh coat of paint to the front door.
Interior appeal – get the best bang for you buck.
Enhance your home’s interior by:
- Give every room in the house a thorough cleaning, as well as removing all clutter. This alone will make your house appear bigger and brighter. Some homeowners with crowded rooms have actually rented storage garages and moved half their furniture out, creating a sleeker, more spacious look.
- Removing the less frequently used, even daily used items from kitchen counters, closets, and attics, making these areas much more inviting. Since you’re anticipating a move anyhow, holding a garage sale at this point is a great idea.
- If necessary, repaint strongly colored walls with a neutral shade of paint, such as off-white or beige. The same neutral scheme can be applied to carpets and linoleum.
- Check for cracks or leaks and signs of dampness in the attic and basement.
- Repairing cracks, holes or damage to plaster, wallboard, wallpaper, paint, and tiles.
- Replacing broken or cracked windowpanes, moldings, and other woodwork. Inspecting and repair as needed small plumbing leaks and/or heating and cooling system etc.
- Repair dripping faucets and shower heads. Shower heads are an easy and inexpensive way to freshen up the look of a bathroom. Again, expensive is not required to execute this step effectively.
- Sprucing up a kitchen in need of more major remodeling by investing in new cabinet knobs, new curtains, or a coat of neutral paint.