Selling your home can be intimidating, especially if your property is more than a decade old. Tastes are always changing, and many homeowners think they will need to make major changes to attract a buyer. While installing a brand new bathroom or updating your kitchen might indeed be effective, you do not have to spend a fortune to make your home more attractive. These simple and inexpensive updates will get the attention of buyers and can help your home sell more quickly.
- Update your power outlets with USB ports. Young tech-savvy couples are increasingly looking for wired homes, and adding USB ports is a great way to keep up with the trend.
- Add mirrors or stainless steel accents to the backsplash in your kitchen. The room will look larger, airier and brighter.
- Give your trim a fresh coat of paint. Nothing brightens the exterior of your home like freshly painted downspouts, doors and exterior trim
- Clear out the clutter. Cleaning out the garage, closets and other cluttered areas will make your home look larger and more inviting. If you have old magazines or newspapers on your coffee table, get rid of those as well.
- Make your home smell fresh and clean. Nothing turns off potential buyers like unpleasant odors. Banish pet stains and odors with enzyme-based cleaners, and avoid cooking onions, Brussels sprouts and other aromatic foods the day of a showing or open house.
- Bake some cookies. It might seem like a cliché, but baking a fresh batch of cookies can make the property more appealing on a subliminal level. If nothing else, you will have a sweet treat to share with potential buyers.
- Give your floors a good scrubbing. If you have carpets, make sure they are attractive and freshly cleaned. If you have hardwood floors, make sure they are clean and well polished.
- Update your cabinet hardware. You do not have to splurge on new cabinets; simply replacing outdated, dented or worn out door pulls and hardware can spruce up your kitchen or bath.
- Install a closet organization system. Adding new shelves and storage units to your closets will make them look larger and help potential buyers picture their clothes hanging there.
- Remove and replace outdated wallpaper. Wallpaper is a big turnoff for many modern buyers. Removing it and putting on a fresh coat of paint will make the rooms look brighter and more attractive.
Show off your bathroom. Make sure the towels are fluffy and freshly laundered before each showing. A container of scented soaps and a jar of potpourri are also great ways to spruce up the room. - Spruce up your landscape. Weeding your lawn and garden does not cost a penny, but improving the landscape and curb appeal can add 10% or more to the value of your home. Look at your landscape with a critical eye – then get to work.
- Bring in the greenery. Updating the interior landscape can be just as valuable. Choose vibrant green plants to make your home look fresher and more inviting. Top it off with a basket of fresh flowers on the dining room table.