The classic way homeowners have historically increased the value of their home is by remodeling or updating. But be very careful, in the current market there is a very fine line between cost-effective improvements to help sell your home and improvements on which you will not see a return on your investment. In the current market, updating your home to sell typically reaps better returns than remodeling.
The most financially rewarding areas to update are the kitchen and bathrooms.
- Refinish or reface dated cabinets, update cabinet hardware, clean grout, install stone or solid-counter surfaces, update faucets and light fixtures. Choose quality amenities that are appropriate for the price range of your home.
- Replacing worn carpeting and tiles or refinishing hardwood floors can give your home an immediate lift and provide a marketing advantage over similar homes.
- Updating paint colors can also prove beneficial. It is recommended that you use neutral colors when adding new floor and wall coverings. Fewer buyers will turn away because of differing tastes.
Additional low-cost ways to spruce up your home:
- Install a new mailbox
- Upgrade outdoor lighting
- Polish or replace your old address plaque
- Buy organizational systems to reduce cupboard and closet clutter
- Re-caulk sinks and bathtubs
- Buy new pillows for the sofas
- Buy new bedding for the master bedroom
- Replace torn window screens
- Replace old doormats
- Plant colorful annual flowers
Need additional input and advice?
Consider hiring a Home Stager for a consultation. The cost of the consultation ranges from $100 – $150 and is well worth the investment. (Note: I provide this service to my sellers). These talented and visionary professionals can walk through your home in one hour and provide a punch-list of To-Do items that will give your home a distinct selling edge in the market. You can choose to complete some or all of the To-Do items yourself or you can hire the Stager to participate in the process. If you don’t know a quality Home Stager who will provide a To-Do list, I am happy to provide a recommendation.
If you are a Do-It-Yourself type of person, download our comprehensive, eight page Prepare to Sell Checklist:
