9 Home Improvement Projects for Maximizing Your Selling Price
Selling your home is a major decision and for some, a once in a lifetime event. You want to make sure you are setting yourself up to get the most out of your home price wise. Here are nine simple tasks that can set you apart from neighboring properties and increase your property value.
Quick fixes:
1. PERFORM A DEEP CLEANING. Whether you are still living in the home or have already moved out, a deep cleaning will help you put your property stand out. More than just sweeping or vacuuming, this is an intense cleaning aimed at making the home spotless. You want to really get in and scrub the toilets and showers, wash the carpets, steam of the curtains, clean everything from the floors to the ceiling. If you’ve done a good enough job, you’ll end up considering moving back in.
2. WASH THE WINDOWS. More than just a simple wipe down, wash the windows – inside and out. Be sure to not only clean the windows but also the frames which often collect bugs, dust and dirt. When cleaning the windows, try not to leave streaks from the cleaning products. When showing the property, you’ll want the windows open to allow plenty of light in. Showcasing a clean window not only allows for better natural lighting but also gives the potential buyer a great view of what they’ll be waking up to when they buy the home.
3. CLEAR THE CLUTTER. This is one of the most difficult tasks for homeowners, especially with kids living in the home. By clearing out the clutter, you’re showcasing the space available and allowing the potential buyer to visualize their furniture and belongings in the space. Too much clutter, including large furniture pieces can make the space look smaller. Consider moving large bulky items into the garage or a temporary storage.
4. MINIMIZE PET ITEMS. Many home owners consider their pets part of their family and allow them free reign in the home. However, some buyers may not be as pet friendly or could potentially have pet allergies. During a showing, it is recommended to hide away the pet toys, feeing bowls, etc. and consider using air fresheners such as Febreze or scented plug-ins throughout the home to mask the pet odors.
Weekend Projects:
5. APPLY A FRESH COAT OF PAINT. Painting the home may be a great way to add appeal. With normal wear, paint can get scuffed, chipped and faded. Applying a fresh coat of paint can help you sell the property faster. Be careful not to pick bright, vibrant colors for interior walls. Using a neutral color palate will better showcase the space and allow the potential buyers to start with a clean canvas and decorate to their liking.
6. UPGRADE CABINETRY. A relatively inexpensive upgrade can be your kitchen and bathroom cabinets. Many home have outdated or worn cabinets. Replacing the doors and hardware on the cabinets can provide a quick an inexpensive face lift to the kitchen and bathrooms throughout the house.
7. ADD A CONTEMPORARY BACKSPLASH. Older homes don’t typically have kitchen backsplashes. Consider adding one throughout your kitchen when sprucing up the place. Local hardware stores such as Home Depot and Lowe’s carry an assortment of tiles that can easily be installed. You can hire a handyman or check out a few YouTube videos that show you just how easy this task can be done.
8. HIRE A PEST CONTROL SPECIALIST. Living in South Florida, we have more than our fair share of pests that find their way into our homes. From ghost ants to mosquitoes and flies, these Florida natives can make your home their own. Freeing your home of these pests year round can be a hassle but thankfully we have several companies that take care of this problem for you. As soon as you decide to list your home, call in the specialists to spray the property – inside and outside. This will allow for plenty of time for the home to be pest-free by the time the showings come around.
9. WORK ON YOUR CURB APPEAL. A simple way of increasing your property’s curb appeal is to work on the landscaping. From trimming the hedges to spraying and clearing away the weeds, a neat and tidy lawn and yard can greatly improve your property’s value in the eyes of a potential buyer. Make it a family affair and get the kids or grandkids involved. Mow the lawn and add a splash of color to the home by planting some flowers. It can seem like a lot of work but it pays off big in the long run.
These are just a few recommendations for sellers to help get the best price for your home.
Realtors will often pull a comparative market analysis that will show similar properties in the area that have sold within the last three to six months. The CMA will include photos of those properties in addition to basic descriptions and the actual price the home sold for. By improving the appearance of your home, you the seller, can justify the increase in asking price as compared to the properties that sold in recent months.
If you’re thinking about selling your home, are looking to buy a home, or for more tips on buying or selling your home, give us a call at (954) 710-2345.