5 Small Upgrades That Pay Big When You Sell your Home
Home updates do not have to be expensive. So if you are planning to sell your home this year, here are some quick, easy, and affordable ways to boost your property’s marketability without breaking the bank.
1. Paint your kitchen cabinets.
Depending on the size of your kitchen, this project may cost you a little over $50. It sounds inexpensive and simple, however, a fresh coat of paint can actually change the look of your entire kitchen.
Now you might be tempted to paint your kitchen cabinets with your favorite bright colors, or with a bold and unusual color, but since you’re selling your home, be sure to choose a more neutral paint color. As mentioned in some of our previous blog articles, consider depersonalizing your home if you are planning to sell it later. This will make it easier for prospective buyers to see themselves living in your house.
Additionally, be wary when choosing the colors for your cabinets because, according to an Apartment Therapy article, certain colors such as brick or barn red, can even devalue your home. So yes, skip the bold hues and go for neutral and modern colors such as gray, white, or beige instead.
2. Freshen up your bathroom.
You don’t have to go all the way if your budget is limited. You can focus on the quick and easy things that you can change when updating your bathroom.
For instance, you don’t have to re-tile the entire bathroom or completely change the layout. Instead, you can replace your outdated bathroom fixtures such as faucets and showerheads with new ones, or if you still have old toilets from when your property was originally built, consider replacing them as well. Modern bathroom fixtures and toilets are more efficient when it comes to water usage. So adding brand new faucets, showerheads, or toilets not only gives your bathroom a cleaner look, you’re also adding eco-friendly features in your home.
If your bathroom is looking dim and dull, you can use some elbow grease to clean every nook and cranny. And don’t forget to re-seal the grout especially if your grout is dirty and stained and has not been re-sealed in over a year.
Another way to brighten up the space would be to update the lighting fixture. A more sleek and modern style fixture would be a practical update in your bathroom.
3. Pretty up your outdoor space too!
The reason why it’s so important to always include your outdoor space when doing home improvement projects is that it’s the first thing that people see. The good thing is, this does not have to be expensive. There are several ways to beautify your outdoor space without spending too much.
The easiest thing you can do to improve your outdoor space is to tidy it up. Put away unnecessary lawn care tools or equipment, toys, or broken lawn or patio decorations or furniture. Next, keep a neat space by trimming and pruning your trees and shrubs, and add more low-maintenance plants to add a splash of color to your exterior.
You may also consider cleaning your exterior walls, walkways, or driveway with a quick and efficient power wash. This powerful machine can help you brighten up your exterior without replacing your driveway or walkway, or repainting your walls. We’ve seen several before and after photos of outdoor power washing and we’ve been a believer since!
4. Update your thermostat to a programmable model.
Programmable thermostats are a great feature that helps you (or the next homeowner) save money on heating and cooling bills. This is because it can automatically change its settings for you. For instance, you can adjust the times you turn on the heating or air conditioning to a pre-set schedule. Instead of manually adjusting the indoor temperature every time you leave or get home, a programmable thermostat will avoid any discomfort by doing it for you. It’s an investment that will surely pay off.
5. Consider adding a ceiling fan
Ceiling fans serve as a functional decorative feature in your home. They’re not only useful in the summertime by keeping your interior cool, they can also be used in the winter since they can be set to circulate warm air. Simply reverse the direction of the blades clockwise to make sure warm air is drawn from the ceiling to where you need it. That’s so convenient and energy-saving too!
If you do decide to add a ceiling fan, be sure to choose a simple, modern design. Many newer ceiling fan models also feature lighting, so that’s definitely a plus!
These updates may not require a lot of money to do, however, we do understand some homeowners may not have the luxury of time to wait for an interested buyer to purchase their home. If you are in a rush to sell your home, we can help. Speak to one of our expert real estate professionals today at 800-976-SOLD!