When a buyer looks at your home on the market, they typically want to do as little work as possible when they move in. This is because they are already spending a fortune on the home itself and on a renovation contractor, and cash may be tight. Additionally, moving home is one of the most stressful things a family can do. Make it easier on everyone, including yourself, by addressing some small jobs that make a huge difference when selling your home.
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Efficiency Improvements
Environmental issues and sustainability are a hot topic at the moment. As a result, your home’s energy efficiency can play a huge role when a real estate firm appraises its valuation. Modern buyers want such things as LED bulbs, insulation, and reduced carbon emissions from the boiler. As such, a green-certified home will sell for around 10% more.
Trimming the Yard
The yard is one of the first things potential buyers will see as they approach your house. Therefore, it may be judged on the state of the landscaping alone, and a decision might be made before the viewing. Fortunately, it isn’t difficult to trim the yard. All you need to do is mow the lawn, clear dead leaves, and prune any excess foliage from bushes and trees.
Exterior Cleaning
Further, to make your home a little more presentable on the approach, you could consider cleaning the outside. Rain and wind bring dirt and debris, and these accumulate on the finish of your house. Brickwork, stucco, and masonry are like magnets for dirt. However, just a quick jetwash is you need to give the outside of your home a minor facelift with a significant impact.
Bathroom and Kitchen Makeover
You don’t need to spend a fortune on a new bathroom and kitchen when selling your house. However, it is helpful to give them a slight makeover. A thorough clean is always advised, yet you could also do the following:
- Apply fresh sealing wherever necessary
- Remove mold and mildew
- Resurface countertops
- Replace or fix cabinet doors
- Install new taps or repair old ones
- Make sure there are no leaks
- Restore tiles and flooring
The trick is to make the bathroom or kitchen appear a little newer than they are. A buyer needs to envision themselves using such facilities rather than a vision of previous owners. Therefore it is also advisable to remove personal items like loofahs and razors.
Clearing Out the Gutters
Gutters are a significant part of a home. They are the primary method of draining water from the house. This is vital since excess moisture leads to leaks, foundation collapse, and basement flooding. No buyer wants to see the potential for any of these problems when viewing. Therefore, you should regularly check the gutters for cracks and clear them at least twice per year.
Electrical Issues
Don’t go poking around the electrical system if you aren’t qualified. However, you can fix minor issues such as a loose socket with a screwdriver. Faulty wiring is a big turnoff for potential buyers, so address all electrical faults before an appraisal. Hiring a qualified electrician to fix minor problems early will prevent major issues later on that will cost significantly more.
A Lick of Paint
Like the kitchen and bathroom, it is helpful to tidy up the home a little with a coat of fresh paint where possible. Brighten up the hallways with magnolia and pastel colors. Also, paint any essential rooms, like the bedroom, in neutral colors. This allows buyers to see their own vision for what a room could look like when they move in. Check current decorating trends if you aren’t sure about how to go about this complex task.
Don’t Neglect Carpets
Carpets are amazingly cozy and feel homey and warm. Yet they are magnets for all kids for nasty thighs. First, your carpets are probably filthy. You just don’t notice because you see them every day. Second, remember the red wine stain under the rug? Finally, microscopic bacteria love to live in carpets. Replace them if you need to, but a carpet cleaner is usually all you need.
Securing the Home
In the United States alone, there are over 1 million home invasions per year. You work hard for your stuff, and your family needs protection. A buyer loves to see that a home is secure. Fortunately, it isn’t too expensive to install a sound security system these days. Also, consider installing a security system with intelligent device compatibility for convenience and, therefore, extra sales power.
