If you’re planning to put your home on the market this year, you not only want to top dollar for your property, but a quick sale too. Luckily, you don’t need to spend lots of money to get your home ready to sell. There are plenty of inexpensive projects you can tackle to make your home more appealing to the buyer.
Identify Your Home’s Flaws
Although disclosure laws can vary from state to state, sellers are obligated to disclose property and structural flaws when selling a home. Even if it’s an honest mistake, failure to mention a basement that floods or a leaky roof could leave you in the hot seat well after the deal is closed.
Get Your Home in Showcase Condition
You don’t want potential buyers to be immediately overwhelmed by clutter and disorganization. As a seller, you won’t have a second chance to make a good first impression.
Clean and organize your home to give your house a more spacious appearance. Minimize clutter by clearing counters, organizing closets, and concealing items in stackable crates and baskets. And what about the garage? Remember, storage is key. Make sure it’s organized, clean and you can open the car doors without bumping items.
In the bathroom, replace caulking in bathtubs and showers. Modernize your kitchen by replacing a cracked linoleum floor, old countertops, and cabinetry.
Tune-Up Your Appliances
Be sure all appliances are working properly. Clean and inspect your furnace and water heater. Fixing small appliances like the dishwasher might cost you money upfront, but you’ll probably recoup that cost when you sell.
Fix Wobbles, Squeaks or Damages
Make repairs to correct leaky faucets, squeaky doors, broken light switches, burned-out light bulbs, loose doorknobs, torn screens, and broken windows.
Paint
Fresh paint is one of the best yet relatively inexpensive ways to improve your home. Not only can a new paint job improve a room’s appearance, but a fresh coat of paint can give a home a fresh ambiance and modernize outdated décor. Neutral décor is also important. They give potential homeowners a clean slate to make the property their own.
Add Some Curb Appeal
If the home doesn’t pique curiosity from the curb, you’ll never get the buyer to step foot inside.
Start with your yard. A freshly cut lawn, manicured hedge, and a beautiful flowering garden should catch the eyes of buyers. Siding and trim should be clean and in good condition, and cracks in the sidewalk or driveway should be patched and treated. You also should repair broken windows, wobbly railings, and crooked shutters.
Paint or stain your front door to make the entrance more welcoming. Adding a fresh coat of paint to the exterior of the house can make everything look new again.