Buyers usually spend less than 40 minutes at a property and visit quite a few before making a decision. Making your house more attractive will not only get you top dollar but will also get buyers interested in the first place. In general, a property in good condition that doesn’t need a lot of work is much easier to sell than one that will require a lot of time and money to fix up once sold.
The windows, kitchen, bathroom, and floor coverings are what buyers pay the most attention to. Make sure these areas of your home are in good condition or do the renovations needed to make your property more attractive. Major projects like these can sometimes be costly but they will boost your property’s resale value.
However, the cost of doing all these improvements at the same time is significant and you usually won’t get 100% of your investment back when you sell. It’s better to look at which renovations need to be done and give priority to those that are most likely to impress a potential buyer.
If you don’t want to take on a major project, you can still do some basic improvements. They cost less but will ensure your property looks good as soon as it goes on the market.
Inside
– Clean and organize each room, especially closets and storage areas. A tidy home looks bigger and more comfortable.
– Check that faucets and toilets are working properly and deep clean the kitchen and bathroom(s). Most buyers pay close attention to these rooms.
– Check that all doors and windows work properly. They should open and close easily. Also make sure the windows are clean.
– If some of the walls are looking a bit dull, think about a fresh coat of paint to brighten them up before potential buyers come through.
Outside
– Paint or stain the front door and garage door.
– Check that door handles work properly.
– Keep the lawn and gardens in good shape.
– Trim bushes.
– If you have a pool, make sure it is in good, clean condition before a viewing.
When potential buyers tour your home, first impressions count. Make sure their first impression is a good one!
