Well-maintained and improved houses sell for more than comparable homes that aren’t maintained or updated, regardless of how the real estate market is going. And while you may not want to spend the money on making these changes before you move, it’s important to remember that most of these updates will also help your home sell faster.
When you decide to sell your house, you enter a competitive market where there may be many other homes with similar features. A competent real estate professional can greatly impact your home’s appeal to prospective buyers. Still, it will ultimately be up to you to make the house as pleasant and inviting as feasible for all visitors who come through the door looking to purchase. It’s critical to make your home appealing if you want to stand out.
Let’s take a closer look at five of the best home upgrades to make before selling:
Smarten up your driveway
Most buyers will drive by your home before they ever step inside, so make sure the appearance of your property will make an excellent first impression. An easy way to do this is to repair any cracks or holes in your driveway and seal them. There are driveway sealing services that will do this for you relatively inexpensively, and it’s worth the investment.
When asphalt driveways are properly sealed, they offer a clean and neat appearance that can make your property pop. Sealing your driveway will also help to protect your asphalt from weather damage and wear and tear. It also protects asphalt surfaces from fuel spills that can soften and weaken them. The matte black finish adds a touch of stylish sophistication to any house or business location while protecting the property’s value.
Patch holes in drywalls
If your home has any cracks or holes in the drywall, now is the time to patch them up. Cracks and holes in the drywall can make your home look unkempt and signify more significant problems, so addressing them before putting your home on the market is essential. Drywall repairs are relatively easy and inexpensive to do yourself, and they can make a big difference in how your home looks.
Holes as small as a dime are usually repairable with some putty, but the proper procedure must be followed if the hole is larger. It must be done correctly since the patch job will look great once the paint on the wall dries.
Repaint your home’s exterior and interior
A fresh coat of paint is one of the most cost-effective ways to change your home’s appearance dramatically, both inside and out. If your home’s paint looks faded or chipped, it’s time to break out the brushes (or hire a professional painter) and give your house a facelift. When selecting paint colors, it’s best to stick with neutrals that will appeal to the widest range of buyers.
You may love your bright pink walls, but prospective buyers might not share your taste. It’s best to play it safe when selling your home and go with a more neutral color palette that will help your home appeal to as many buyers as possible.
Clean and replace worn carpets or rugs
Carpets and rugs that are dirty or worn can give your home an old-fashioned and unsightly appearance that will surely turn off buyers. If your carpets or rugs need a good cleaning, hire a professional carpet cleaner to make them look new again. You may also want to consider replacing them if they are excessively worn or damaged.
This is a relatively inexpensive way to give your home an updated look. Even if your carpets are in good condition, they may no longer be in style. Trends in carpeting and flooring change fairly frequently, so it’s possible that your carpets are out of fashion even if they’re still in decent shape.
Upgrade your lighting and fixtures
Old or outdated lighting fixtures can make your home look out of style and uninviting. If your light fixtures need an upgrade, now is the time to do it. New light fixtures can brighten your home and make it look more modern. You don’t need to break the bank to update your fixtures.
When selecting new light fixtures, be sure to choose ones that complement the style of your home. If you only have one or two light bulbs, consider replacing them with a three-light fixture. Some rooms have little architectural appeal, such as poor moldings, built-ins, or fireplaces. A beautiful and attention-grabbing light fixture can frequently be the room’s focal point for a fraction of the cost.
Sell your home fast!
Take your time and plan accordingly, and you’ll be able to make the necessary upgrades that will help you sell your home fast – and for top dollar. Buyers are looking for move-in-ready homes, so focus on making these five key upgrades, and you’ll be sure to impress potential buyers. In no time, you’ll be handing over the keys to your new homeowner!