Sellers want to maximize the value of their home before listing it and we often get the question “what can we do to increase the value“. Generally speaking people do not have unlimited funds and time is usually tight. As a home owner what can you do to get your home max value on a limited budget and in time to get it listed before the end of the month.
Top 5 updates that are time and price sensitive
- Paint
- Carpets
- Lighting
- Appliances
- Bathroom
1. Paint
A fresh coat of paint can go a long way. Stay away from bold colours. Whites, greys, and light blues are generally safe. Paint makes homes look newer, cleaner and move in ready. It also forces you to declutter the walls and fix any nail holes once you remove those family portraits!
2. Carpets
Ideally we have time and money to remove any old carpet. Carpets have the tendency to retain smells, dirt and can really show age. A new carpet or fresh laminate flooring can easily replace that old carpet in just one weekend of work. Replacing the old carpet will not only make the home smell new but will immediately make the home look updated and move in ready.
3. Lighting
Adding some extra lighting can really spruce up a home. If you have burnt out lightbulbs, get them replaced. If you have a dark office, add a desk lamp. If your living room looks dim, consider a floor lamp. Lighting not only makes a house feel like a home but it lifts the energy of the potential buyers!
4. Appliances
Depending on budget and depending on the state of the old appliances, getting matching new appliances can really make the kitchen feel new. Although it’s not usually a make or break for potential buyers, it can really make a difference in photos to see new stainless steel appliances.
5. Bathroom
Bathrooms are usually cheaper to renovate than kitchens and can make a great impression on buyers. Choose either the master bathroom ensuite or the main floor bathroom and get it modernized. If a full overhaul isn’t in the budget consider new light fixtures, a new shower curtain, new grouting, and discard the old bathmats! A new bathroom will make a home feel cleaner and make the new buyers more comfortable when it comes to moving in right away.
If you are considering selling your home, give us a call and we will be happy to give you some tips to get it ready. If you are lucky enough to have a house ready to go, GREAT, if not, we can point out a few things to get the house ready to go in no time. If you are not in a rush and are considering a few renovations, we would be happy to give you a free consult so that your money is used wisely. Happy cleaning!
