If you know you are getting ready to list your home on the market, whether that be six months to a year from now, there are some pretty simple things you can do to raise the value of your home as well as the general attraction it has for potential buyers. Over time, homes are sure to lose value due to outdated spaces and appliances or simply for a lack of care and maintenance. We have busy lives, not everyone has time to plant trees in their yard and install new walkways.

When it comes to listing your home, potential buyers notice everything, that being said, a few updates with a little sprucing up here and there will not only attract buyers but will also increase your homes overall value. In this blog, we will be giving you a few tips and tricks to help you on your way to a higher valued home listing!

1. Make A Plan And Set Your Budget

Just like anything else that takes time and money, you are going to want to make a plan and set aside the appropriate and affordable budget. Upon deciding your plan and budget, you may want to meet with a REALTOR ® to discuss what changes are absolutely necessary and which changes may help you make a little more money at the time of sale.

If you have circumstances pressing on your time of listing, then it will be important to factor that into the plans as well so that you know exactly what you do and do not have time to change.

When it comes to your time and budget, it is important to prioritize your tasks from most necessary to cosmetic/optional being last… all governed by your budget of course. In doing so you are more likely to stay on track and keep your expenses minimal.

2. Start With The Simple And The Obvious

When starting your projects, begin with what makes the most sense…

• Are your doorknobs badly dinged up and dated?
• Is your carpet a worn out eyesore?
• Do you have old and dated light fixtures?

All of these are examples of simple fixes that negatively distract the interest of buyers if they go unaddressed. Change out those old light fixtures for something more modern and energy-efficient, lighting in a home is always a main focal point.

Replacing old, worn door knobs will eliminate at least one silly distraction from the rest of the homes viewing experience. Think about it, every entryway in a home that has a door typically has a doorknob that you have to grab onto for entry, it will be noticed!

Tattered, old, and discolored carpet is a huge turn off for buyers and simply cannot be overlooked. These days, most home buyers hate the idea of caring for a carpet anyway. That being said, it would be beneficial to either replace it with a new carpet or have it all pulled up and install wood flooring instead.

Keep in mind not only your homes initial appeal during a walkthrough, but what it takes for upkeep as well. Buyers will be considering these things and so should you.

3. Outdated Kitchen And Bathrooms Not Matching The Rest Of The House?

Kitchens and bathrooms are one of the largest selling points for any home. One of the first things buyers notice when walking through a home is whether or not the kitchen and bathrooms are clean and just how outdated or updated they are.

Some of the best ways to improve your buyer’s walkthrough experience and the overall value of your home are by paying close attention to the bathrooms and kitchen area.

The Kitchen

One of the easiest ways to bring your kitchen to life is by adding or updating a backsplash. There is something about installing a backsplash in your kitchen that adds a ton of character and implies luxury.

Another way to add value and interest would be by installing an island if you have room for it. Islands add workspace, storage space and also character. Maybe even go a step further and replace countertops and cabinetry if it’s within your budget.  

What are the appliances like? If your microwave, oven, or dishwasher have gotten grimy and old, replacing them as well will add a ton of appeal back into your home.

Bathrooms, Bathrooms, Bathrooms

Bathrooms get a lot of wear and tear over time due to frequent use, so first and foremost, are your bathrooms clean? Filthy bathrooms are sure to put off any potential home-buyer. Making sure your bathroom remains spotless and smells fresh is a nice touch that anyone can appreciate.

Up next in the exploration of your bathroom, what is the nature of your plumbing fixtures and decor? Do you have cracked mirrors and soap scum stained faucets?

Bathrooms can be pretty simple, being that they are typically smaller and mostly about function, however, the cosmetics count! The best way to update a bathroom is by ripping down that old wallpaper and adding a fresh coat of neutral but pleasant paint.

Now for those old faucets and light fixtures, replace them with something clean and modern. If your mirror needs some attention too, be sure to either give it a spotless wipe down or replace it with something nicer.

Now that your bathroom is all clean and updated, light a softly scented candle to set the mood for relaxation and comfort, That’s always a nice touch.

4. Entertainment Spaces Sell

Entertainment spaces truly sell! If your home has an outdoor living space, make that a focus! Create comfortable seating areas as well as installing outdoor lighting, and you can even add a grill area or firepit as statement pieces.

Also, if you have the time and money within your budget, building an outdoor kitchen area surely adds value and character to any home very quickly!

All of these are sure to make your outdoor space a selling point ready to impress.

5. Curb Appeal For A Steal

Curb appeal is important, it’s the very first impression potential home buyers receive and will set the whole mood for the viewing experience.

Let’s start with your front door and stoop area, does it feel welcoming? A great way to improve the entry experience is by laying down a welcome mat and replacing or updating your front door if needed. Adding a couple of plants around your walkway is also a great way to make your stoop feel inviting and homey, which is exactly what you need when trying to sell a house.

Last but not least, what’s the landscaping looking like? If your grass is high and your flowerbed is overrun with weeds, then it’s time for some yard work, my friend. Break out the gardening gloves and the mower, plant some fresh low maintenance shrubs or flowers and pressure wash your walkway.

Curb appeal can mean everything for a house to sell, your home needs to look and play the part of an inviting home, even from the street.

Sit Back And Collect Your Profit!

This is the best part, now you get to list your home. Sit back, be patient, and watch the fruits of your labor come to you tenfold.

Getting your home ready for sale may take a little leg-work and elbow-grease, but in the end, using tips like these will help you sail right on through to a larger profit on the other side, and maybe even a quicker sale.

If you need help getting the top dollar for your home, contact Key Realtors today and one of our professional agents will answer any questions you have!