Location is always important to a house's value. But, no matter where you live, you can probably increase the selling price of your home with just a few changes.
PROS AND CONS OF BIG RENOVATIONS
Sellers often want to make big changes to attract home buyers. But, some improvements can be costly mistakes.
For example, a backyard swimming pool used to be an asset; today, it's often a liability, increasing insurance premiums.
Expanding your kitchen may be a wise choice. Surveys suggest that you'll get less than 75% back on your investment in a larger kitchen.
On the other hand, adding a second bathroom can be a smart decision. Studies show that adding or renovating a bathroom, and building a new deck are among the smartest remodeling choices.
But, your realtor will probably advise you to start with "curb appeal," which means the things that buyers notice first. Most of these can be improved overnight.
A recent study by a major lender found that buyers pay more when the house appears up to date and well maintained. With that goal in mind, a well-groomed lawn and a shiny kitchen floor can be worth more than a new hot tub. And, they cost far less, too.
First impressions are often lasting impressions. Try to look at your home as a prospective buyer might. Spend a weekend going to "open houses" listed in the real estate section of your town's newspaper. After a day of looking at others' homes, you'll see yours with fresh eyes.
START WITH THE EXTERIOR
Many homebuyers drive past several homes before deciding which ones to visit with a realtor. Be sure that your home looks as good as possible from the outside.
Make sure that your lawn is mowed and the edges are well trimmed. Brown patches can be replaced with matching sod.
An otherwise ho-hum yard can look like a showplace with a few carefully placed shrubs and flowering plants. For just a few dollars, these add instant appeal to your home.
Keep your driveway clean and uncluttered. Sweep it daily when your home is on the market.
If your teenager is working on an old car, sell it or move it to a storage yard while your house is on the market. Be sure to clean oil stains off your driveway or garage floor; automotive stores sell excellent cleaners for this.
Wash the front of your house if it looks less than pristine. Don't forget to rinse window screens, and the screen or storm door.
Oil your doors, too; you may not notice a squeaking hinge after living with it for a while, but prospective buyers will wonder what else needs maintenance.
Guests waiting at your front door will have time to inspect the entry. If your doorbell looks old or doesn't work well, replace it. A new coat of paint on the door and frame, a bug-free light fixture, and a shiny doorknob can dramatically improve a buyer's impressions.
MAKE YOUR HOME BRIGHT AND CHEERFUL
Your home should always be clean smelling. If you have pets in your home, be sure that their cages, beds and litter areas are odor-free. Likewise, if there are smokers in your household, they should smoke outside while the house is being shown. Use odor-removing sprays on your furniture and carpeting, too.
Be sure that your home looks bright and cheerful. Keep your curtains and drapes open. Have trees and shrubs pruned so that they don't block light. Where it's safe, use higher wattage light bulbs in your lamps. Also consider slightly pink-tinted or full spectrum "natural" light bulbs to create a warm glow for your home.
However, extra light can also reveal dirt and wear that you hadn't noticed before.
During the weeks when buyers are visiting, hire a cleaning service if you don't have the time to keep your home white-glove clean. One deep-cleaning session followed by weekly or twice-weekly visits can be enough.
Stay current with your laundry and keep dirty clothes out of sight. When buyers visit, be sure that your kitchen and bathroom towels are fresh.
If your furniture looks shabby, consider replacing it with more upscale rental furniture.
If there is clutter anywhere in your home, even in your basement or garage, put it away or move it to a temporary storage unit while your house sells.
ADD WARM AND WELCOMING TOUCHES TO YOUR HOME
Your home should be clean and tidy, but still look "lived in." Slippers by the bed and a fire in the fireplace make a home look more welcoming in winter. In the summer, place a pitcher of iced lemonade on the kitchen table. Turn off the TV. Play quiet music on your home sound system; it should be lighter than "elevator music" but not trendy.
It may sound silly, but it's true: Fresh flowers at your front hall, and the smell of home baked bread--or at least refrigerator rolls--in your kitchen, increase the likelihood of a good bid on your home.
A bright, cheerful, clean and welcoming home is what buyers are looking for.
TURN HOME REPAIRS INTO AN ASSET
If your home has been repaired in recent years, such as a new roof, or if you've replaced major appliances, be sure to have the receipts on hand to show interested buyers.
Likewise, if your home is energy efficient, your recent utility bills can be a positive selling point. Keep them in a folder that you can reach for easily, if visitors ask about heating and cooling costs.
Be sure that your realtor knows that you're ready to show this paperwork. It can signal a current and well-maintained home.
EVERYONE LOVES A HAPPY HOME
When buyers are touring your home, it should look like a happy place to live. Smile and say hello when prospective buyers arrive, and then let the realtor do his or her job.
These are small points, they can make a big difference in dollars when it's time to sell your home.
