If you are planning to list your client’s home on the market soon, chances are they have already scoured the internet for updating and curb appeal tips and tricks to help make their home more desirable to buyers. There’s only one problem with that: now your buyers are completely overwhelmed and stressed about all of the upgrading they think they need!
When selling a home, not all upgrades are created equal. Some may not add as much value as you would think, but there are some small things that may add way more than you would expect. Here are some small upgrades with maximum impact.
Professional Cleaning and Fresh Paint
It’s amazing what a fresh coat of paint and some serious scrubbing can do! A bright, clean home can be incredibly welcoming to potential buyers, so scrub away all the grime that builds up over time. If the home is going to be vacant, it’s even more important that the space is extremely clean, since there will be no furniture to hide scuffs, dust bunnies, or dirt. If possible, hire a professional cleaning service to really deep clean the dwelling. If the home has carpets, a professional carpet cleaner can do wonders. Fresh paint can help revive walls that have started to show wear and tear that doesn’t wash away, especially in homes with children or pets.
Give the Kitchen a Mini Makeover
Ask any real estate professional what room a buyer is likely to look at first, and I bet they’ll say it’s the kitchen. An old, outdated kitchen could be a deal-breaker. But what if a brand new kitchen isn’t in the budget or time frame? There are a few things that can be done to refresh the space without having to rip out the cabinets.
Hanging a new pot rack, purchasing a rolling island, or creating a “coffee bar” area can be relatively inexpensive upgrades that can be done on the weekend. A new backsplash can also be a good DIY weekend project to help a kitchen feel fresh.
If the kitchen is extremely dated, try swapping out cabinet doors for new ones, and you can even paint the bases to match, if needed. It’s a great way to update without spending a ton on a huge renovation.
Decluttering
Buyers need space (visually) to be able to see themselves in the home. It can be incredibly difficult for them if the space is filled to the brim with a lot of belongings. You do not need a vacant home, and sometimes furniture and personal belongings can help sell a home by making it feel like, well, a home! But you also shouldn’t have five weeks’ worth of mail piled up on the mantle, dirty dishes in the sink, laundry thrown on the bed, and all of your unfinished craft projects cluttering up the dining room table. A yard sale could be a great way to get rid of extra clutter. A storage unit could be an option to remove things from the home without getting rid of them permanently.
Simple Updates for the Bathroom
Bathrooms see a lot of action and can start to really show all the wear and tear. If it’s in the budget, installing a new bathtub and/or shower can really make a huge difference and you’ll definitely see a big return on the money spent. But there are definitely other things to get done in a bathroom if that’s not feasible.
If there is tile, chances are the grout is dingy or even possibly cracked. Regrouting tile can be an inexpensive way to make a huge visual impact and really brighten up the space.
Swap out those old faucets and dated showerhead for something shiny and new. These can be inexpensive at a local home improvement store and relatively easy to install if you’re handy with DIY home projects, but they can really change the whole look and feel of the bathroom.
