Things to do Before Selling
Top Upgrades and Additions to Make Before Selling Your Home
Making major upgrades to a house you’re planning to sell seems a bit ironic, but these expenditures often make the difference in how fast your home sells and the amount of money you make. The key is making an upgrade or putting in an addition that doesn’t cost you money at the time of the sale.
The Front Door
The front door makes the initial statement about what’s inside the house. Painting or replacing a front door promises an attractive dwelling within. Make sure the area around the front door is uncluttered, and add potted plants or plantings to increase the welcoming atmosphere.
Kitchens and Bathrooms
If your kitchen and bathrooms need major upgrades, spend the money and have them replaced. You should receive your investment back when selling the home. If you don’t have the funds, strip and stain or paint cabinets and make sure all windows sparkle. If possible, add at least one new major appliance. Potential buyers notice and it gives a kitchen an updated feel.
Painting
A fresh coat of neutral interior paint makes your house look fresh and doesn’t cost a great deal, especially if you do it yourself. The same holds true for the exterior.
It’s the Little Things
Replacing door handles, cabinet knobs, light plates and other minor matters can make a big difference in your home’s overall appearance.
Replace Carpeting
If your home is carpeted, tear out the carpets and replace them with solid-surface flooring. It’s also environmentally friendly.
Add a Lanai
Lanais and Hawaii are virtually synonymous. If your house doesn’t have one, that’s an addition to consider. Since it’s such a favored feature, the lack of a lanai may affect how long it takes to sell your home.
Landscaping
If your landscaping looks a little tired, install some new plantings. This relatively inexpensive fix greatly influences curb appeal. Sometimes it’s not a matter of planting anything new, but pruning back what has grown out of control. Your landscaping should enhance any views from your property.
Original Use
It’s not uncommon for people to use rooms for purposes that they were not originally intended. You may never use the dining room, so why not turn it into your home office? That may not work when you’re selling the home. If you have no other suitable place for a home office, try sticking it in a corner of a spare bedroom, but keep the bed and bedroom furnishings within.
Each home is different, and your real estate agent can advise you on the best tips for your property. He or she also knows the best additions and upgrades for your neighborhood. A little time, money and effort should yield you a good profit.
