Selling your home soon? Here are 5 home improvement projects that will make your house stand out to potential buyers…and help you get top dollar in the sale!
Bathrooms
Bathrooms should look squeaky clean to potential buyers. While an entire bathroom overhaul may not be realistic, there are in-expensive updates you can do yourself that won’t break the bank. Consider replacing grout and caulking, updating fixtures such as toilet paper holders and towel racks, replacing old flooring, new shower curtains/towels, and perhaps a new light fixture.
Paint
Paint is magic when it comes to freshening up a house. A new coat of paint is an easy, do-it-yourself task that will give your house major brownie points with potential buyers. When choosing a color, it is best to stick to neutrals such as whites, beiges, and light greys. Do not just stop at your walls. A fresh coat of paint on baseboards, doors, and window trim will make your house look fresh and welcoming.
Curb Appeal
First impressions matter, and how a buyer feels about your home will be established the moment they pull into the driveway. Some exterior renovations can be expensive, but there is much you can do that will spice up the outside of your house without blowing your budget. Painting your front door, tidying up garden beds, pressure washing walkways and brick, and re-staining/painting decks and doorsteps. All these projects are simple to do and make a world of difference!
Kitchen Updates
The kitchen is the heart of the home. Kitchen upgrades are one of the best investments you can make in your house and will make your home stand out to potential buyers. The condition of your kitchen will determine how much you will need to dish out on upgrades. For example, if your countertops are marked, stained, or chipped, they should be replaced before your house is listed. While upgrades such as replacing countertops might be expensive, there are upgrades that you can do on a budget that will make a big impact too. If your cupboards are outdated, consider having them painted or stained. Another easy upgrade is new hardware on cupboards and drawers.
Refinish Wood Floors
If you have hardwood floors, it is a good idea to evaluate their condition before putting your house on the market. If they are in good condition, they may just need a polish. If there is significant wear and tear, it may be worth considering having them refinished. Most hardwood floors can be sanded down and restained; making them look good as new! Hardwood floors are desirable in a home, so this may be a project worth investing in.
Always remember to put yourself in the buyers’ shoes when listing your home. Families want to see that a house has been well looked after before they make a purchase. Investing time and money into home improvement will pay off in the end. While some home improvements are more costly than others, there are lots of in-expensive DIY projects that you can undertake yourself.
If you find yourself in a pinch and need some help getting the house ready for the market, consider taking out a small personal loan to help you get your house sold as soon as possible! It’s money that will come back to you in the end. And, in this market, if used wisely, you are likely to turn that loan into earnings!