6 Low Cost/High Impact Ideas for Selling Your Home

It’s a Product, Not a Home

So you’re thinking of putting your home up for sale. But wait: Before you sign with a realtor, there are specific projects you can do to propel your to the top of the MLS!

You’ve lived in your house for ump-teen years, making those four walls feel like a home. You’ve added your stamp, that certain something that makes you feel good every time you step through your front door. Well, now’s the time to neutralize that familiar stamp that screams Y-O-U. It’s time to re-create your house into a saleable property!

Think of it in terms of a commodity that needs to garner the highest return on investment for you.  Before you consider putting up the “for sale” sign, here are some suggestions that create maximum appeal for minimal expense.

1 – Take it From the Top

Start by heading out to the street.  Take a good objective look at your front yard and in particular the front entry.  Is your front porch light outdated? Replace it. Your local home store offers many reasonably priced alternatives.  And don’t just toss out that old fixture, donate it. Ensure that all your light fixtures – inside and outside – are sparkling clean with fresh bulbs that are all NEW.

2 – Invite Them In

Now take a look at the front door.  Painting or re-varnishing will do wonders to bring it to life. A gorgeous color on the front door will lure buyers who will want to see what’s inside.   Replace the door hardware for a more contemporary feel in a finish that coordinates with your new light fixture. Don’t  overlook the cleanliness of your driveway, walkways and the exterior of the home.  Rent a power-washer and give the whole exterior a good scrubbing.  Add a new welcome mat, some seasonal color and you’re off to a good start.

3 – The $elling Price is in the Details

Items that most homeowners don’t pay attention to are their kitchen and bath cabinetry.  Unless they’re made of expensive wood or in impeccable shape, paint them!  A fresh coat of paint is an affordable facelift and will transform a tired kitchen or bathroom.  Think of knobs and pulls as the jewelry on your cabinets, so replace or add new hardware.  The well-known discount stores and home stores have a variety of affordable options.  Take a look at the other finishes in your kitchen and bathrooms in order to buy complementary hardware.  Online search engines can direct you to sites with downloadable templates for installation, to avoid any placement errors.

4 – Bathroom Bling

Did you know you can re-glaze tiles, sinks, bathtubs, toilets, etc?  If your tile is screaming 1980 and replacement is out of the question, consider this option.  You will achieve instant style with this cost-effective alternative. Do your bathrooms have the standard builder-grade mirrors?  Create a rich, sophisticated look with frames specifically designed for this purpose from www.mirrormate.com.  This is essential in the master bathroom, where buyers are expecting a fashionable look. Mirrormates come in a variety of finishes (even unfinished wood which you can paint to match your décor – just make sure to paint the back too which will be reflected in the mirror).  They offer a straightforward and easy guide to ensure you pick the right frame. The best news? They are extremely affordable!

5 – Getting Grounded in Reality

Time to assess your flooring. Is your tile looking drab? Does the carpet need replacing or would a simple cleaning and re-stretching be in order? If you have carpet in the bathrooms, it needs to come out! Most buyers are turned off by carpeted bathrooms and that may keep your home on the market. Peel and stick vinyl floor tiles, vinyl sheet flooring, and ceramic tile are all better options. In all cases, make the best of the flooring you have by having it professionally cleaned.

6 – The Age of the Internet

Finally, remember in this computer-driven age the majority of potential buyers are going to look at homes on the Internet first.  You want the pictures on the Internet to excite buyers enough that they make an appointment to view your property, not the one down the street.  So please, don’t list until you’ve finished the upgrades that will show in your photos.  If you are not the do-it-yourselfer or you would like professional help, contact a Professional Home Stager in your area.  Stagers are a valuable resource for paint color suggestions, handymen, plumbers, painting contractors, landscapers, and electricians … and of course the actual staging of your property! They can also provide a comprehensive report on items that should be addressed so you can sell your property in minimum time for maximum profit.  Working with a Home Stager is an investment in your largest asset, your home. An added bonus: most Stagers offer move-in services that transform your newly purchased property into your beautiful and comfortable new home!