Your home is likely your most significant financial asset, so as you prepare to list it for sale, you want to ensure you get the most bang for your buck. Today’s buyers are looking for move-in-ready properties.
You don’t need to complete fancy (and expensive) home renovations. Instead, focus your efforts on ensuring your home feels well cared for.
These fast and simple home improvement ideas won’t break the bank but can make a big difference in a quick and profitable sale.
Declutter Your Space
One of the easiest and cheapest ways to make your house look bigger and cleaner is to remove any excess clutter.
- Declutter any surfaces – including doing all the dishes!
- Make the beds and arrange throw pillows on your sofas.
- Take that pile of donations over to a local charity drop-off.
- Make sure to clean out closets so that the doors open and close smoothly.
- Update your garage storage, and be sure to throw away those old Amazon boxes.
Start with A Deep Clean
It’s amazing how a home can shine after a thorough cleaning. Refresh your spaces before taking photos of your home and before each showing.
- Clean your carpets or consider getting them replaced if your budget allows.
- Check the inside of your fridge to make sure buyers don’t discover any accidental science experiments.
- Get your windows professionally cleaned to let as much natural light into your house as possible.
- Remove fingerprints from your fridge and dishwasher.
- Sweep out the garage and remove any cobwebs or old fall leaves.
Take Care of Minor Repairs
Showing that your home is well cared for doesn’t need to break the bank. These home improvement projects should only take a weekend and some elbow grease.
- Fix any broken handles on drawers or cabinets.
- Add fresh caulk around the tub or sinks.
- Replace all lightbulbs with matching
- Patch any small holes in the walls from old pictures or artwork.
- Clean up baseboards with a magic eraser.
- Patch the torn screens in any windows or doors.
- Polish hardwood floors to help them shine.
- Add a fresh coat of paint to walls or cabinets that are looking a bit dull.
Freshen Up Your Curb Appeal
When a potential buyer drives up to your home, you want to make a great first impression. Curb appeal can go a long way in boosting your property’s value.
- Sweep the area and clear away any cobwebs or old bird nests. If you have a front yard, ensure it is freshly mowed and trimmed.
- Clean out any dead plants, especially near the front of your home.
- Add a new layer of mulch to make your landscaping pop.
- Update your address numbers to give a more modern look.
- Consider painting your front door to give it a clean look.
- Add fresh flowers and a new welcome mat to your front porch.
Update Fixtures
Even with a small budget, a few tasteful updates can help your house stand out in a competitive real estate market.
- Swap out old light fixtures or ceiling fans for more modern versions.
- Add easy-to-install outdoor lighting to help your landscaping pop.
- Check your bathroom vents to prevent mold and mildew growth.
- Add crown molding or update your trim.
- Give your bathroom a refresh with an updated shower head and hardware.
- Add window treatments in your living room to help it feel cozy.
Do a Test Run
Before anyone visits your home, they will likely view the listing online. Before you invest in professional photos, snap a few pictures to see how your home looks. This is a great way to see if your space looks bare or needs more decor.
Avoid Common Pitfalls
The selling process doesn’t need to feel overwhelming. Work with your real estate agent to understand your local market [link to local market article] and how to best appeal to buyers.
- Don’t overly depersonalize your home. People want a family homey feel, so while removing the massive collage of baby pictures is probably best, you can keep out a few tasteful photos that show your family or personality.
- Don’t stress about repainting brightly colored walls. It’s ok for your home to have some personality. In fact, a fun paint color or unique rug may be a draw as long as it is well-maintained throughout the house.
Partner with your real estate agent to prioritize updates that maximize your home’s marketability and attract potential buyers.
