Getting the most out of your home market value is very important when selling it. Here are some inexpensive ways to improve your home's appearance.
When it comes time to sell your home, the last thing you want to do is put a lot of money into it to make it look better. Often, it's the "little things" that can be the difference in your home selling or not selling, and in getting every dollar out of it that you think it's worth. Here are five ways to improve your home without spending much money:
1.) Landscaping is probably the most important thing you can do for very little money. When potential buyers look at your home, the first and last thing they see is the outside. The better "curb appeal" your home has, the better
impression it will make on the buyers. Plant a few flowers, put down some fresh mulch, trim the trees and bushes, cut the grass, put some edging around plants or a garden. These are just a few ways to make a good first and last impression.
2.) Clean your house. When someone walks into a home, cleanliness is extremely important. It not only makes the house look nicer, but also tells the buyers that you've cared for the house while you've owned it. Dust the shelves, mop the floors, vacuum the rugs, scrub the counters, and clean the baths. The more refreshing your house looks and feels, the better feeling the buyers will have about the home overall.
3.) Paint where necessary. Paint can give a home a completely new look. Use neutral, light colors so that whatever furniture the buyers may have, it will instantly match the walls. Be sure to use dropclothes and masking tape where necessary to protect carpet, floors, other walls, etc. from getting splattered.
4.) Make the house as clutter-free as possible. The less "stuff" you have in the house, the bigger the rooms and closets will look. Remove piles of paper, dirty clothes, boxes, old and ugly furniture, and any other items that can be easily moved and stored in an attic or somewhere outside the home while the house is being shown. The less in your home, the better.
5.) Make sure the temperature and smell in your home are pleasing to the senses. If it's a hundred degrees out and you have air conditioning, use it. You want the buyers to focus on the what the home has to offer, not on how hot it is and how much they can't wait to get out. You also want to rid the home of any unusual odors, such as pet odors, or the liver and onion dinner you just cooked. Light scented candles, use air fresheners, or bake a pie just before they arrive.
The important thing to remember is that you want the buyers to enjoy what they see. You want them to be able to picture themselves and their family living in your home. The more aesthetically pleasing your home is, the better chance it will sell for the price you want.
