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Some sellers make the mistake of investing a great deal into their home prior to selling in the hope of substantially increasing their selling price. Unfortunately, spending $5,000 to install a new patio in the backyard does NOT translate to a $5,000 increase in your selling price. Your goal is to maximize the attractiveness of your home, not entirely redo it. A thorough cosmetic overhaul is usually all that’s necessary to make your home more desirable.
Here is a list of inexpensive improvements to increase the appeal of your home:
- Maintain a well-manicured front yard. The lawn should be neatly trimmed and free of weeds. Flower beds should appear well kept and attractive. Also make sure that any shrubs and bushes up front are also trimmed.
- Check that windows and screens are free of cracks or tears and replace them if necessary. Be sure that the windows are sparkling clean and redo any chipped paint.
- Your front door and entrance way should be in immaculate condition. Consider a coat of fresh paint or lacquer. Ensure that the doorbell and entry way light are in good working condition.
- To increase visual appeal, you may want to plant flowers outside and place floral arrangements throughout the house.
- One of the most effective, yet inexpensive tactics, to improve the look of your home is a coat of fresh paint! You’d be amazed at the difference a paint job can have, from brightening a room to making it appear more spacious.
- Perform a thorough clean up of your home. Shampoo the rugs, mop and wax the floors, and dust everywhere! Don’t underestimate the impact this can have, as potential buyers WILL be able to spot those dusty bookshelves or those coffee stains in the rug!
- Rid yourself of all unnecessary clutter. This will help buyers better visualize how they will redecorate your home to suit their taste. As a bonus, the neater your home, the more spacious and appealing it will appear to a prospective buyer.
- Thoroughly clean all walls to make sure there are no fingerprints or smudges. Check wallpaper for nicks and tears.
- Have all doorknobs tightened and hinges oiled. This would be a good time to take care of that door that endlessly squeaks.
- Make sure that all bathrooms in the house are spotless! People immediately tend to notice its condition and every care should be taken to ensure it remains fresh, clean, and sanitary. Remember to replace any leaky faucets and re-caulk the tiles.
Although you may have grown accustomed to the small imperfections in your home, prospective buyers notice EVERYTHING and it will weigh heavily when they make their final decision. By taking the time to make these minor improvements, you automatically make your home more marketable and can increase your selling price.
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