You’ve toyed with the idea of selling your house. Maybe moving to the outskirts of the city, maybe moving from burbs to be closer to the bustle. But you want to get the most you can out of the investment you’ve made in your house. What is worth your time and money, and what will bring the greatest return financially?
1. Home Staging
One of the most cost effective investments you can make is hiring a home stager. Forbes states that there is at least a 400% return for every dollar you invest in home staging. Not only will you get expert advice on what to update in your home, you’ll sell your home more quickly and for a higher price. 68% of staged homes sold for at least 9% more than other comparable homes.
2. Interior Paint
A fresh coat of paint freshens up the entire interior of your home. Color affects our moods, how we think, and what we do. It also influences how potential buyers respond when they tour your home. As a result, the interior paint color you choose is important.
A light, neutral paint color sets the stage for a calming, comfortable first look. It brightens the home, and makes it feel more spacious. And it allows the potential buyers to visualize their own belongings in your house.
3. Light Fixtures
Lighting is an inexpensive way to update a home’s appearance. Pull out old fixtures and replace them with something fresh. A bright, well-light room will feel clean and welcoming. Consider your entryway, kitchen, and bath first. Then move on your other rooms. If you’re unsure what style or direction you should choose, consult with a home stager. We know what will make the biggest impact in each and every space.
4. Plumbing Fixtures
Update your faucets and other plumbing fixtures throughout your home. Your kitchen sink is one of the most notable parts of the kitchen — make it shine and make it energy efficient. Replace the drain covers in your shower. Make every plumbing fixture possible shine and fit the overall style of your home.
5. Flooring
Potential buyers will notice what’s under their feet. If it’s old carpeting, it has to go. If possible, consider some sort of wood floors. You want your buyers to feel like your floors are fresh, clean, and easy to maintain.
6. Landscaping
Good landscaping can add up to 28% to overall home value. A well-kept yard and patio extends the living space to the outdoors and makes you home feel more expansive. And according to some studies, landscaping is 90% of what initially interests a potential buyer.
7. Exterior Paint
First impressions can make or break a sale. You want to make sure that that first drive-by look or initial glance through your home’s online gallery invites your potential buyer in to find out more. A drab, shabby, out-dated paint job will make them move on to the next opportunity more quickly than you may think. It often gives the impression that the interior will be neglected as well.
When choosing an exterior paint color, you need to consider 3 main things:
- The Surroundings
- The Neighborhood
- Your Home’s Materials
Andjust as there are best choices for the interior color of your home, there are best exterior color choices to sell your home. These are popular right now, but consult with a home stager or consider the paint swatches assembled by paint companies:
- Griege
- Grey
- Blue
- Green
- Soft Yellow
- Tan
8. Walkway
The path to the front door is the first close-up look your potential buyers will have of your home. Make sure it’s welcoming, thoughtful, and clean. If need be, cross the street and look at your home with a critical eye. Would you be proud to invite the most important person you know to visit? Powerwash. Trim back shrubs and bushes. Paint the front door. Install a light. Clean the windows. Plant flowers. Do all you can to make each potential buyer feel like a welcome guest from the moment they pull in the driveway.
9. Front Door
Would you be excited to walk up to your own front door? One of the best things you can do is give your front door a fresh coat of paint. Consider a bold statement by using a color that contrasts the exterior of your home. Remove all the cobwebs. Make sure the lock moves smoothly. Clean the handle, inside and out. Remember — they’ll be there for a minute while the realtor comes to welcome them in for their home tour. Make the most of that time!
Most home sellers don’t want to give the kitchen or bath a complete overhaul, but the options listed above can help potential buyers fall in love with your home, and help you net a higher selling price in the process.