Not every home project is the same. In fact, some home projects, such as upgrading to pricey appliances, adding a swimming pool, and installing wall-to-wall carpeting, don’t add much value to your home at all. If you’re thinking about putting your home on the market and want to tackle the projects that will get your property sold quickly, there are eight you should start with.
However, as you start budgeting for your these projects, take some time to use a home sale proceeds calculator. This will allow you a chance to see what you’ll need to sell your house for to get the money out of it that you need.
Make a Strong First Impression
The old saying goes, “You only get one chance to make a first impression.” This couldn’t be truer than when it comes to selling your home. Nice curb appeal won’t just help you sell faster either, it will improve your home’s value. When your buyers pull up to the curb, they have some expectations you should deliver on.
Upgrade the Kitchen
Kitchens sell houses, and if you’re still sporting white appliances or maybe even the old harvest gold, it’s time for an upgrade. According to the Cost vs.Value calculator on Remodeling’s website, a kitchen upgrade last year resulted in sellers recouping about 61 to 65 percent of the value, so you’ll want to choose your upgrades wisely.
Apply a Fresh Coat of Paint
Home buyers don’t want to tackle a project of painting right as they move into their new home, so one of the fastest ways to get them invested in your property is having fresh paint throughout. And not just any color; some colors are proven to boost the value of your home. According to Zillow, homes that feature “greige,” a color between light gray and beige, tend to sell for $3,496 more than homes that feature tan or brown.
Become a Minimalist
Clutter is a home-sale killer. People often can’t see past your accumulation of “stuff.” Some realtors will even recommend you rent storage space if you don’t have enough room to unclutter. Counters, bookshelves, and closets should all be clean and organized, not stuffed!
Tackle “Project Deep Clean”
Similar to clutter, a dirty home is one way you can scare off buyers. Perhaps the assumption goes that if you can’t take care of cleaning what can be seen, the disrepair of the home’s bones, such as HVAC, electric, etc., might also be overlooked as well. Plus, who doesn’t want to come into a clean, fresh smelling space?
Add Light, and Make It Trendy
Real estate sales expert and author Robert Irwin says buyers are turned off by a home that is dark. He says, “Not only will they keep you from getting a quick sale, but they will also cut down on the amount of money you’ll get in offers.” Go a step further and upgrade old, outdated lighting fixtures, as this is an easy way to increase your value.
Add Tech
Buyers like to see modernized thermostats, home security systems, and smart doorbells that see who’s outside. Any smart home tech you can add will impress potential buyers.
Beautify Your Bathroom
Like kitchens, a nice bathroom improves your odds of selling. Consider painting it blue. According to Forbes, homes with blue bathrooms sold for $5,440 more than expected.
Remember, most buyers want to see these projects done when they pull up to your home. An outdated kitchen or an overgrown yard and you may lose the sale. If you’re unsure, always consult a real estate agent. Their expertise in getting your home sold can be invaluable.
Author
Suzie Wilson is an interior designer with more than 20 years experience. What started as a hobby (and often, a favor to friends) turned into a passion for creating soothing spaces in homes of every size and style. While her goal always includes making homes look beautiful, her true focus is on fashioning them into serene, stress-free environments that inspire tranquility in all who enter. The Ultimate Guide to Prepping Your Home for an Open House is filled with tips, tricks and other advice based on Suzie’s years of experience in interior home design that will set you up for success.
