If you’ve decided to put your home on the market, heed your Realtor’s® warning: basic fix-ups go a long way. Price negotiation is driven by perception of value. Buyers will rationalize lower offers when they see an accumulation of items that are outdated or in disrepair. Once you’ve entered sale mode, start taking a closer look at every room to determine which flaws need attention. The following areas strongly influence first impressions. If your home falls short in these areas, plan to budget time and money towards improvement. Otherwise, you could be making bigger price adjustments as time wears on without a sale.
1. Fresh paint and wall paper removal. Nothing is easier than brightening and freshening up a room with a new coat of paint. And it’s also one of the cheaper fixes you can do to help sell your house. While neutral colors are most commonly recommended so as not to turn off buyer preferences, using a little more color for accents is perfectly acceptable. If you think that buyers can “look past” wall paper, you’re wrong. No matter how attached you may be to that floral pattern, the fact remains that wall paper significantly dates a home. Remove it, paint it, and never look back. First impressions are everything in real estate.
2. Flooring. Hardwood floors have been most buyers’ preference for some time now. The condition and appearance of hardwood flooring can totally affect the impression of your home. The gleam of a space adorned with hardwood creates instant appeal. But if your hardwood is dulling or worn, the effect will be disappointment. Refinishing will give you a great return on your investment. Do what it takes to make hardwood one of the hotter assets of your home. If your home is carpeted, make sure it’s not overly worn, ripped, or stained. Hire professional carpet cleaners or rent a heavy-duty cleaner and do it yourself. If possible, replace worn carpet with a neutral color like beige or a light tan. If you have tile, replace any chipped or cracked pieces to avoid giving a buyer the impression of neglect.
3. Lighting. It’s amazing how something as simple as lighting can make a space look open, cheery, and more inviting. One of the first things most real estate agents do for their clients when viewing homes is turn on all the lights. Take the time to analyze the lighting in rooms and hallways of your house both during the day and in the evening. Don’t depend on natural light to do the trick since the ultimate buyer could come through after dusk. Study up on tips and tricks for determining the best lighting for each space. There are many affordable lighting options outside of the standard overheads and stand-up floor lights. Also consider replacing light fixtures that are dated in style.
4. Bathroom functionality and cleanliness. Every bathroom in your home should be spic and span. Bathrooms and kitchens can make or break buyer interest, so you can’t ignore the condition of yours. Fix leaky faucets and hissing toilets. Replace a toilet seat if it’s cracked, unhinged, or is designed with kids’ cartoons. Clean up grout and replace broken tiles. If updates or a complete remodel is not in your budget, make sure everything in the bathroom looks its best and functions perfectly. Sometimes a little staging flair, such as clean counter tops with spa-like knick-knacks and a stylish shower curtain, can help buyers accept older bathrooms.
5. Kitchen improvements. Mid-range and minor kitchen remodels often get a 100 percent return on investment. Appliances and cabinetry are typically the most expensive items to replace. If your cabinets are old or worn but total replacement isn’t in your budget, consider cabinet resurfacing and replacing the cabinet hardware. While granite and quartz countertops tend to get the most points with buyers, they aren’t necessarily a must. If you need new countertops and can’t afford to go high-end, there are a number of hard surfaces with an upscale feel that are far less expensive. Also ensure faucets, sinks, and all other appliances are in good working order.
Buyers want a home that has been maintained throughout the years. Don’t make the mistake of thinking a little faucet leak, a tile chip here and there, or one non-functioning appliance are no big deal. These things add up to a sense of neglect or deferred maintenance. Even if you don’t have every desirable update in your home, clean, functional, and well-maintained help win buyer interest and better offers.