In today’s real estate market, updated, well-cared for homes sell quicker and often for a much higher price than those in need of improvements. When assessing your home to sell, consider both interior and exterior features. Here are some basic enhancements that will make your home more attractive to buyers.

Interior Improvements With a Big Impact

One of the most important things you can do is to have the interior freshly painted—preferably in light, neutral colors—if it hasn’t been done recently. New paint will give your home a more updated look and feel.

Almost as important as painting is replacing worn carpeting and refinishing wood floors in poor condition. New flooring is a significant selling point for buyers, many of whom have no interest in handling it themselves. Stay with a neutral carpeting color that will go with a variety of furniture.

Upgraded kitchen counters are on many buyers’ wish lists, especially in higher price ranges. If you’re in an expensive location but have old Formica counters, consider replacing them to be competitive in your market.

The Importance of Decluttering

Homes without clutter appear larger and are much more appealing. Before listing, remove extra furniture to make rooms look more spacious, and clear off kitchen counters, tables, and bedroom furniture. Go through all of your closets and get rid of items you no longer need. Large closets are a selling point, and your closets will look larger with fewer items and nothing on the floors.

Don’t forget to pay attention to your walls. Are they filled with too much artwork and photos? This can make it hard for buyers to focus on the house itself and picture their own belongings in it. Consider packing up some of your art and putting just a few pieces back up once you have painted.

To make decluttering less stressful, start well in advance. For some people, the process can take months. If you have considerable belongings, you may want to consider putting some of them in storage so that your home will show better.

Exterior Improvements for a Better First Impression

First impressions are important, so the outside of your home should appear welcoming. Make sure shrubbery is trimmed, flower beds are weeded and mulched, and the grass is cut. If your walkway is in poor condition, consider having it repaired or replaced. If your deck needs to be power washed and stained, have it done prior to listing, and if your siding needs to be cleaned, take care of that as well.

Don’t forget about your doors. If your front door hasn’t been painted recently, have it painted, and if your garage door has seen better days, have it replaced.

Selling Without Improvements

Some sellers whose homes are in need of new paint, carpet, or exterior work don’t want to spend the money and prefer to list their home without making any improvements. This may make sense if the lack of updating is reflected in their asking price. However, many sellers don’t appreciate just how much less buyers are willing to pay for homes that are not in move-in condition and don’t price their homes low enough. These homes tend to sit on the market while more competitively priced homes sell. So if you have the time and resources, give your house a boost. Simple improvements can really pay off!

Read more of Annette’s real estate articles for the latest real estate advice.

If you’re looking for an experienced listing agent, contact Annette Nelson at (610) 247-7892 or annette@preferredhomes.com

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