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While frigid temperatures and the “holiday hangover” may still have most homeowners shying away from the thought of putting their home on the market, if you are interested in selling your home this year, now is a great time to start making strategic plans to get it ready to sell for top dollar. The smart improvements you make now could help you maximize your financial investment and sell your home more quickly.
As most people know, potential homebuyers often make a decision to purchase a home—or at least make the decision to tour the home—based on first impressions. This is the reason why it’s critical to make sure your home gives a stellar first impression! In order to develop your resell “to do” list, here are a few areas you can focus on to position your home at its best resale value:
Spruce up your exterior
The exterior is the first thing potential homebuyers will see, so make sure your home’s exterior is appealing. Consider these tips to ensure you have the best curb appeal possible:
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Check the foundation, roof, gutters, siding, windows, and doors to help ensure they are in good shape
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Apply fresh paint as needed
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Consider power washing your siding and driveway, and don’t forget about making the windows sparkle
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Mow the yard frequently, removing weeds, trimming bushes, and adding shrubs or colorful flowers
Budget-friendly interior upgrades
You don’t have to break the bank to enhance your home’s interior and make it easier for potential buyers to visualize themselves living in your home. Here are some easy tips that won’t break your budget:
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Remove personal items like photographs and heirlooms
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Remove clutter from shelves, walls, and counters
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Reduce or downsize furniture to make your space feel larger
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Clean, clean, clean!
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Dust furnishings, ceiling fans, and light fixtures
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Wax or vacuum the floors
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Wipe down mirrors
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Polish faucets, furniture, and cabinets
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Apply a fresh coat of paint to the walls
Kitchen and bath upgrades
Replace anything that sticks, squeaks, or drips. Update old countertops and purchase new lighting fixtures or cabinet hardware. If you have the budget and time, consider completely renovating the cabinets in either of these rooms—an upgrade that has proven to increase the overall home value. Replacing old appliances with newer, moderately priced models can greatly improve the appearance of your kitchen, instantly giving it a more modern feel. In the bathrooms, make sure the showers are free from mold and scum and that the tile grout is in good shape.
Remain objective and set practical goals
When renovating your home to maximize your financial investment, it’s important to remain objective. While you may love your bright green front door, a potential buyer may not. But, before you go changing everything under your roof, remember to remain practical about the changes that you can make. Ask yourself whether you have enough time to implement all of your upgrade ideas before you put your home on the market, and above all else, consider whether those improvements will help you sell your home for top dollar.
*Be sure to consult your REALTOR® for real estate related advice.
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