Your home is a substantial investment, so when it comes time to sell, you want to get the best price possible. Doing some quick, inexpensive repairs before listing your property can make all the difference. But before starting on any projects, it’s important to know just how much your home is worth so you know how much value you can add with repairs/upgrades. Here are some great ideas for making your home more appealing to buyers.
First thing’s first
Many homeowners don’t own every essential power tool. If you are new to using and owning power tools, do some research and add the basics to your collection. You’ll find good tools make the work easier and faster, and you can tackle your projects with confidence. For instance, a high-quality drill is well worth the investment and makes your work easy-breezy. Top-notch drills are more user-friendly, have a superior design and grip to ease strain on your body, and function efficiently. With great tools, you’re ready to get started!
Spruce up your kitchen
One of the rooms potential buyers will pay special attention to is the kitchen. However, you don’t need to gut your existing space to add value to your home. For a few hundred dollars, you can replace cabinet hardware, install a new faucet and update lighting fixtures. Select a bright, energy-efficient light and make the faucet a priority if it’s stained or leaking. If your appliances are mismatched, streamline them with a facelift. You can either replace the panels on them, paint them, or some appliances have panels that can be flipped over; simply unscrew the panel and check the reverse side to see if it’s finished.
Breathe life into your bathroom
Your bathroom is the other most important room to upgrade, as home shoppers will be looking at it closely. Dated or worn items should be replaced. Something as simple as a new toilet seat can refresh the space. Inspect your tiling for discoloration and damage. You can actually replace tile floors easily with peel-and-stick tiles or a sheet of vinyl, and you may even be able to install the new surface right over the old one. Re-grout your shower and bath area, and if the tub is really dated, consider replacing it. You could cover it with a prefab surround, which will require professional installation. Even with hiring the work, it’s a less expensive repair than replacing all the tiles and refinishing the old bathtub.
Improve storage
If your home offers limited storage or the closets are poorly designed, consider installing a storage system. Do-it-yourself laminate or coated wire systems are available from most home improvement stores, and you can make your upgrade over the course of a weekend.
Enhance curb appeal
Your home’s exterior is the first thing that will welcome potential buyers, so US News & World Report suggests freshening it up. Give your front door a new coat of paint, tidy your landscaping, and put out some blooming flowers. If your house numbers or mailbox look worn, install new ones. One idea is to look for vinyl house numbers that stick-on and are easy to read, since they come in a variety of colors and fonts. Purchase a new doormat for the finishing touch!
Remove window treatments
Unless your window treatments are high quality and fashionable, removing them is an easy way to brighten rooms and appeal to buyers. You don’t risk trying to meet their tastes and you allow more natural light into your home, which is always desirable when selling.
Paint
A fresh coat of paint can make a huge difference in your home’s appearance. Consumer Reports recommends choosing neutral colors, since buyers of all ages and tastes can work with them. Inspect your home for worn areas and make sure you catch those with a refresher. For example, if your dog scratched at the door or your cat clawed the window frames, patching and painting are vital to making a good presentation.
Ready repairs
Spruce up your home before you sell it. Purchase appropriate tools and spend a little time and money giving your property a facelift. With these simple strategies you’ll ensure a big payoff when it’s time to sell!
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