8 Home Improvements to Make Before Selling
Preparing to sell your home can be both exciting and daunting, but with the right improvements, you can make it stand out. Whether you're looking to attract more buyers or fetch a higher price, investing in strategic home improvements can make all the difference. From enhancing curb appeal to upgrading key interior features, this guide outlines eight essential home improvements to consider before putting your property on the market. And remember, if you are looking to sell your home, look for companies that state we buy houses in Kansas City, for instance. They usually offer a hassle-free solution to your real estate needs.
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Declutter
The first step in readying your home for sale is decluttering. Remove any personal items such as photos, figurines, and artwork from your home to create a space that potential buyers can see as their own. While this step is necessary for aesthetics, it is also practical, as a clutter-free home gives an illusion of a bigger space, which can be a good selling point. Remember not to hide any items in the garage, as it is likely that buyers will spot them.
Update the Front Door
Your home’s front door is the first thing potential buyers see, so you should make it memorable. Consider painting it for the best look or installing a new one. Front door updates are particularly necessary if the door lacks appeal or displays signs of deferred maintenance. However, you should be careful not to overspend on a front door that doesn’t blend in with your home’s exterior.
Add a Fresh Coat of Paint
Nothing beats breathing new life into your space like a fresh coat of paint. Over the years, your walls may become dingy, their colors may fade, and your personal choices in hues may not align with buyer preferences. Using neutral colors like light grays, beiges, or whites can instantly transform your space, brightening it and giving it a cozy feel. These tones are ideal as they act as a blank canvas, allowing potential buyers to visualize themselves in the space.
What's more? A well-done paint job indicates to buyers that you have maintained your home well. This way, they don't have to worry about hidden maintenance issues. One thing to remember when painting your home is to avoid what is trendy. This is because trends go out of style quickly, and there is no knowing whether they align with a buyer's taste.
Update Lighting Fixtures
It is common knowledge that lighting plays an unparalleled role in a home's feel. While dimly lit rooms appear cramped and uninviting, well-lit spaces radiate energy and give the illusion of a bigger space. Therefore, updating your inefficient or old lighting fixtures is an improvement that can quickly enhance your home’s appeal.
For potential buyers, fantastic lighting can make all the difference between a house that is a ‘maybe’ and one that feels like home. Therefore, consider substituting outdated fixtures with modern, energy-efficient lighting options. For areas like the living room or kitchen, you can never go wrong with recessed lighting for character and warmth.
Upgrade the Kitchen
The kitchen is the heart of every home. It is the store of all your best-cherished memories, as this is where you and your loved ones bond over your favorite recipes. It is not surprising, then, that a kitchen update can significantly improve your home’s appearance and value.
Modern buyers want modern kitchens. Therefore, if yours is functional but needs a little sprucing up, consider these kitchen upgrades:
- Install new appliances (go for more energy-efficient models)
- Replace dated countertops such as laminate with stone
- Refinish existing cabinetry
- Upgrade hardware
- Install a new backsplash for aesthetics
Improve the Flooring
Whether you have stained carpets, discolored hardwood, or warped vinyl flooring, it is vital to repair your flooring before listing. For instance, if your home has hardwood floors, you can refinish them. The refinishing process gives them a new look without incurring the huge expenses associated with hardwood floors.
In addition, ceramic floor tiles are now a popular trend in Kansas City. They give your home a touch of sophistication while also being long-lasting and easy to maintain. Therefore, they are an incredible way to make a good first impression on your buyers.
Renovate the Bathrooms
When looking for potential houses, buyers typically seek clean, modern, and well-maintained bathroom spaces. Therefore, replacing outdated faucets, hardware, and showerheads won't hurt. Also, consider incorporating new lighting fixtures, a contemporary mirror, or lining your space with a fresh paint coat. If you are feeling motivated, feel free to retile the shower or update the vanity. Although they may seem insignificant, these little updates contribute largely to the bathroom’s functionality and aesthetics.
Repair or Replace the Driveway
Another update your home needs before the sale is a driveway repair or replacement. Of course, there is nothing eye-catching about a cracked driveway filled with potholes. The general rule of thumb is that if over 25% of your driveway is ruined, the best course of action would be a replacement. However, if this isn't possible, consider repairs.
Final Thoughts
Selling your home requires a nuanced approach. However, by implementing the above home improvement ideas, you make your home a top choice for buyers willing to acquire it at favorable prices. From the basics of decluttering and painting the front door to more significant updates like floor and kitchen renovations, each improvement is a step closer to a compelling buyer package.
