When prospective buyers view your home, they will be guided by their first impressions. If parts of your home look outdated or unattractive, buyers may decide to pass, even if the house has plenty of other desirable features and the price is reasonable. Making some small but important changes to your home before you list it can help you attract a buyer without breaking the bank.
Focus on Curb Appeal
If you haven’t been taking care of your yard, start working on that months before you plan to put the house on the market. Hire a professional landscaping company if your lawn is in bad shape. An attractive yard will impress buyers and help you get a good price, but not fixing up the property could make it difficult or impossible to sell your house. If your yard just needs to be spruced up a bit, cutting the grass, trimming the bushes and planting some colorful and inexpensive flowers can do the trick.
As potential buyers approach your house, they’ll note the color and condition of the front door. If the door looks worn but is in good shape overall, a fresh coat of paint may be enough to make it look new. If the door is damaged, replacing it will help you sell your house and you will likely recoup most of the cost.
Outdoor lighting is also important to homebuyers. A well-lit yard reduces the risk of both accidents and burglaries. Consider replacing your porch light or installing lights along the driveway and the walkway that leads to the front door for a visually appealing look.
Freshen Up the Interior
Painting walls can make rooms look fresh and new at a relatively low cost. Be sure to choose neutral colors that will appeal to most people so you don’t accidentally turn anyone off. Repainting the cabinets can brighten up the kitchen at a fraction of the cost of installing new ones.
Outdated door knobs and drawer pulls can detract from the appearance of the kitchen. Fortunately, there’s a cheap fix. You can find new, attractive hardware at your local home improvement store and install it yourself.
Poor or outdated lighting may be a dealbreaker for some buyers, especially in rooms such as the kitchen and bathroom. Installing new light fixtures can make rooms appear brighter and more welcoming, and they don’t have to be expensive.
Upgrade Your Home on a Budget
When potential buyers come to view your home, they will form an opinion within seconds. Make sure it’s a positive one. Improving your home’s appearance can help you sell it faster and get top dollar, but it doesn’t need to cost a fortune.
