Whether you are preparing to sell your home in the near term, or just want to maintain its value for a future sale, there are some simple, basic things to keep in mind.
Unless absolutely required, large renovation projects aren’t necessary if you plan to market your home. Not everyone is going to appreciate that expensive kitchen faucet, or those over-the-top, high-end appliances. Homeowners who invest big dollars to renovate or redecorate can end up way out of line with comparable homes in the neighbourhood and actually make it harder to sell.
The key is to invest in things that matter while keeping your costs to a minimum.
Don’t go it alone
An experienced realtor can advise you on where you will get the best return on your investment when preparing to list your home.
Simple, inexpensive changes can go long way
- Improve Curb Appeal
You know what they say about first impressions! View your home through the eyes of a potential buyer.
Imagine the first thing a potential buyer sees when they pull up to your home. Paint your front door to make your entryway welcoming. Get rid of any clutter.
Keep your lawn and other vegetation healthy and under control - no one wants to take on an overgrown jungle. Relatively inexpensive projects like painting the fence and adding new mulch can make a world of difference.
Make any necessary repairs (no hanging eavestroughs or shutters!) and power wash siding, driveways, decks, roofs, etc. Creating an inviting outdoor living space can sometimes be as simple as adding some flower pots on your deck and replacing the cushions on your patio set.
- Visually Increase Your Home's Square Footage
There are ways to visually increase your home’s square footage without actually adding more space.
Replace heavy curtains with blinds or shutters and let in as much light as possible. Use mirrors to strategically reflect light - a bright, sunny home feels larger. Get rid of clutter and any unnecessary furniture. Clean out closets and cupboards - messy, overflowing spaces give the impression there isn’t enough storage.
- Energy Efficiency Counts
An energy audit will help you identify your home’s energy ‘vampires’. You can hire a professional or do a basic audit yourself. Check for drafts around windows and doors. Inspect your furnace and hot water heater. Use technology to better control heating and cooling your home.
Depending on your budget, making your home more energy efficient can range from replacing light bulbs to replacing your windows or furnace. Dual flush toilets, water reducing showerheads and energy efficient light fixtures are now readily available. Maximizing the energy efficiency of your home is an attractive feature for buyers.
- Kitchen and Bathrooms are Key
Kitchens and bathrooms can increase the value of your home but you don’t necessarily have to undertake a major overhaul to make them appealing.
Fresh paint on the walls and ceilings, new fixtures, replacing countertops, or repainting the cabinets and vanities, can make all the difference. Kitchen appliances and bathroom fixtures need to be in good working condition or you will have to consider replacing them.
There are a lot of small projects you can take on yourself. Re-caulking around sinks and tubs, replacing a showerhead or light fixture, or retiling a floor can go a long way in making a room feel up to date.
Ambient and functional lighting is important in both rooms so you can safely complete tasks but also create a relaxed atmosphere.
- Clean, Clean, Clean!
This is probably one of the most important, and easiest, ways to make a great impression. Realtors will tell you that regardless of its location, age or size, a home that sparkles and shines draws buyers in and creates the impression that the home was well-cared for. Plus, no one wants to buy someone else’s dirt and grime.
Even if you clean regularly, a professional cleaning service is a great investment to give your home a top-to-bottom scrubbing.
Prudent Spending for Maximum Results
The job of an experienced realtor is to help you get the maximum value for your home.
We have the experience to know what buyers are looking for, have a deep commitment to service, and we’d love to help you prepare to sell your home. For more information, call Kelly Maxwell at 403.875.1114 or complete our contact form and let’s get started!
Frequently Asked Questions
While realtors aren’t typically contractors or interior designers, we do know what buyers will, and won’t, pay for. An experienced realtor can not only steer you in the right direction when deciding what updates are required, they can also recommend other tried and true professionals such as contractors or stagers.
There are many factors to consider. Typically, money spent on bathrooms and kitchens (within reason), decks, basements and paint are fairly safe. But an experienced realtor can offer guidance based on your unique circumstances.
There are a few things you can do that will improve the sellability of your home without costing a lot of money. A fresh coat of paint in a fairly neutral colour can be fairly inexpensive if you do it yourself. Re-organizing cupboards and closets and removing any unnecessary furniture is also something you can do at little to no cost. Probably the most important thing is cleanliness so have your home in pristine condition when expecting buyers.
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