Most real estate experts agree, that you increase your sales price by about two dollars for or every one dollar you invest in improvements.
But, you have to know the high-value, cost-effective improvements that will pay off the most. So this week I’m going to give you a quick “how-to” course on the most important improvements to focus on.
Make a Great First Impression
Staging is putting your house on display for all to see. And just as you want to make a great first impression when you meet others or attend a big social event you want to do the same with your home. So before you list it, consider these cost-effective improvements that will bring a higher selling price.
Welcome Your Potential Buyers
Start with the entry of your home. Make sure you trim bushes, wash walkways and upgrade your welcome mats.
When buyers first come in the door, they should be impressed. If necessary, use candles and counter sprays to remove unpleasant smells. Check closet doors and be sure they slide smoothly and close properly.
Depersonalize
Everybody has a personal style when it comes to decorating a home. You probably love the way your house looks, filled with your pictures and family mementos. However, look at it from a buyer’s perspective, they have to be able to picture themselves in the home before they will buy it.
So you have to remove yourself from the home or depersonalize it for them to imagine themselves and their family living in the home.
Remove the Clutter
When prospective buyers open your closets they need to see a few of your best outfits hanging from matching hangers. All other stuff needs to be neatly stored in matching boxes or storage bins.
All your rooms should be set up to look their best, but especially your storage areas. You want the clutter gone from your closets so they appear spacious and organized. Use storage bins if you have to or rent a storage shed to hold your clutter while your home is for sale.
Make Your Bedrooms Look and Feel Relaxing
Create a simple, uncluttered look and feel in your bedrooms. If necessary, move your clutter and extra accessories somewhere else. Most buyers will feel more relaxed if your bedroom looks like a bedroom — not a home office.
I recommend a headboard on your bed, a cohesive color scheme, and a few decorative items. Get rid of office furniture, power strips, and televisions. As for colors, gender-neutral ones work best since they appeal to more people.
Focus on Your Kitchen and Bathrooms
Buyers usually care the most about kitchens and bathrooms. So these are two key areas to focus on. Keep both places immaculate. Dust, wax, scrub toilets and wash the windows, but keep your cleaning materials out of sight. If you’re really busy, consider hiring some help to keep these vital areas looking their best before every showing.
Also, keep counter tops clear, making the kitchen and bathrooms look larger. Also display white bath and hand towels in the bathrooms to create an open look and feel.
Make Smart Updates
If your home needs some updates, here are a few low-cost improvements to consider.
- Replace gold or brass fixtures and cabinet hardware with nickel, chrome, brushed silver, or stainless steel.
- Buy newer appliances or update your current ones with stainless steel stick-on coverings or specialty appliance paints.
- Clean the clutter from your cabinets, drawers, and oven. (Some buyers will scrutinize every detail of your kitchen.)
- Remove rugs and make your kitchen look more spacious.
Stay Neutral and Use Natural Light
Neutral color schemes can have the same impact as depersonalizing your home. It makes it easier for buyers to see themselves — not you in the home. Also use neutral window treatments with subtle designs to enhance rooms or sheer curtains to let in more light. Additional lightening and the use of natural light can really make your interiors stand out.
Let Us Help Sell Your Home
These general updates can make a big difference in the impression your home makes on home seekers. But when you list with us, we will also do a detailed walk through and show you other low-cost, high-impact improvements that can increase the selling price of your home.
We’ve sold properties in the Vancouver area for years and know exactly what gets the most attention from buyers. So call us at 778-800-2587 or complete or online contact form.
We look forward to helping you sell your home!
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