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Home Maintenance & Renovation
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3 min read
When you are selling your home, first impressions are critical. From curb appeal to walking through the front door, your buyer needs to be impressed with how your house looks, and they should be able to envision themselves living there.
Did you know that, according to Ideal Home, most buyers form an opinion about a home within the first seven to 10 seconds of walking through the front door? Likewise, it’s also important to consider your home’s “virtual door.” Over 1/3 of buyers spend less than five minutes viewing a property online before deciding whether they want to visit it.
While it’s important to pay close attention to your home’s curb appeal, this doesn't mean that you should break the bank to buy brand new furniture and home décor in order to stage your home.
If you're on a budget and want some tips and tricks to help spruce up your home before you put it on the market, we have compiled a list of seven simple and inexpensive strategies you can use to make sure your home makes the best impression possible to potential buyers!
Tip #1: Remove Personal Pictures
Removing personal pictures of you and your family may help the potential buyer envision themselves living in the home. While the 20"x30" wedding picture above your mantel is undoubtedly lovely, it can be distracting to potential buyers. When buyers can imagine their life in your home, it will take them one step closer to making an offer. Removing personal photos isn’t just about the buyer, It also protects you and your family’s privacy.
Tip #2: Less Furniture Is More
Removing all but a few key pieces of furniture not only makes your house look clean, it will also make the livable space appear much larger and more open. For instance, in a bedroom, keep it simple. Display a bed, bedside tables, and maybe a dresser or two.
The garage is an ideal spot to store extra furniture and clutter. Most people will overlook a messy garage because they understand that you are moving, and will generally only look at the outside of the garage.
Tip #3: Clean and Declutter
An immaculate house is a sure selling point. Make sure all of your counter tops, windows, floors, and even your appliances are shiny and clean; every surface should sparkle. This also includes cleaning your furniture and even the dreaded inside of the oven. Having a clean home shows buyers that you took care of the home. This is the easiest and least expensive way to help your home put its best foot forward.
Tip #4: Update Old Fixtures
Even on a budget, you can create a home that looks like it’s straight out of a luxury magazine. A quick and easy way to decorate on a dime is to update old fixtures. The kitchen is a great place to start. Knobs, handles, drawer pulls, and light switch plates are small, inexpensive details that give your home a nice, high-end sheen.
Tip #5. Hold Off on Repairing Large Items
It’s always best to have a licensed realtor inspect your home first before you repair or fix any large items. What may seem like a big deal to you may not be a big deal to the buyer when it comes to making a decision on purchasing your home. For example, if you have a hot tub in your backyard that doesn’t work, it’s wise to not spend money on repairing it until you know for sure whether an offer has been made and if a working hot tub is a requirement of the buyer.
Tip #6: Make Sure All Light Bulbs Work
When it comes time for the inspection of your home, the inspector will automatically check off “electrical problem” on the home buyer’s inspection checklist if there is even one light bulb that has burned out. Proper lighting can make the difference between a buyer seeing your house as a dark dungeon, or a warm and inviting place to raise their family. Sunshine is FREE! Natural lighting is an easy way to improve your home’s likeability. Additionally, a well-lit room will help you better see the area as a whole and the space it provides.
Related Reading: 5 Home Hacks for Soaking In More Sun After Daylight Saving Time Ends
Bonus Tip: Keep Receipts for All Home Repairs and Renovations
It’s important to keep a file of all receipts and paperwork for warranty purposes and to document proof of purchase. For example, if you purchased a new roof, the receipt will prove that it was, in fact purchased, and give a record of the year so the buyer will know when the roof was installed.
Having the foundation report is also a significant document to keep. This will show the buyer that your house is structurally sound. Keeping an organized file will make for a more confident buyer because they will know they are purchasing a home from a responsible homeowner.
While freshening up your property might sound like extra effort, taking the time to go through your house and make changes is an investment that will pay off and increase your pool of potential buyers.
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