It’s no secret that sellers whose homes show well have an edge in today’s market. More than ever, buyers want homes that are up to date and well cared for.

First Impressions

First impressions are important, so your front yard deserves attention. 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.

The more you spruce up the front of your home, the better. Consider whether your front door needs to be painted or replaced. What about the trim around the door—does it need paint as well? Is your mailbox old, or does your front porch light need to be replaced? Address these items before listing.

Mirror the Sample-Home Look

Sample homes are designed and staged for maximum appeal, and they’re a great model to try to emulate. Decluttering your home is one of the best things you can do to create that clean and spacious sample-home look. Remove extra furniture to make rooms look larger, and clear off kitchen counters, tables, bedroom furniture, and bathroom vanities. To make your closets appear more spacious, go through each one and remove items you no longer need, and take everything off the floors.

Pay attention to your garage and basement as well. Clean out unneeded items, and organize the rest on shelves along the walls. If you have considerable belongings, you may want to put some of them in storage while your home is on the market.

Don’t forget your walls when decluttering. Are they filled with an overabundance of artwork or photos? This can distract buyers, making it hard for them to evaluate your home and picture their own belongings in it.

Tried and True Improvements

New paint is one of the best ways to transform your home, giving it a more updated look and feel. Use a light, neutral paint in any rooms that haven’t been painted recently. Almost as important as painting is replacing worn or stained carpeting and refinishing wood floors in poor condition. Stay with a neutral carpet color that will go with a variety of furniture. Buyers love fresh paint and new carpet, and in some prices ranges, they may expect it.

Upgraded kitchen counters are also on many buyers’ wish lists, especially in upper price ranges. If most competing homes in your area have upgraded counters but you have old Formica, consider installing new counters to be competitive in your market. Finally, don’t forget about your backyard. Before listing, take care of any work needed on your lawn, deck, patio, or fencing.

In today’s market, increasing your home’s appeal with decluttering, repairs, and inexpensive updates is well worth it. Simple improvements can really pay off with a quicker sale and higher price!

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See more of Annette’s articles on related real estate topics. If you’re planning to buy or sell a home, contact Annette at (610) 247-7892 or annette@preferredhomes.com

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