It is the time for New Year’s goals and resetting your values for the next year. We have included here some ideas that won’t break the bank but will make your home more saleable
1. Upgrade the kitchen
One of the first places prospective buyers will race to see is the kitchen. As the heart of the home, the kitchen needs to appear neat and have an average number of modern appliances.
Investing in upgrades that will cost only a few hundred dollars, such as the kitchen faucet, cabinet door handles, and energy efficient lighting, can make the difference between a sale and no sale.
If you are a do-it-yourselfer, another upgrade that is more extensive is the cabinet doors and door fronts which can come from major home improvement centers such as Lowes or Home Depot and will definitely impress
2. Update the appliances
Replacing old standard kitchen appliances is an easy way to make a difference. You may not need to purchase new appliances if there are replacement front panels available. Appliances are a visible part of the kitchen, so make sure that both are looking their best.
3. Spruce up the Bathroom
This is another room that can be made to look much better with not a lot of cash outlay. Replacing the toilet seat and updating sink fixtures are simple and will make the room shine. Look at the floor to see where tiling needs to be replaced. Some vinyl flooring can be installed over the existing floor without the need for tearing up the old.
The tub and shower are important parts of the bathroom’s appearance, and dingy wall tiles or tub can be cleaned and re-grouted. There are prefabricated shower wall units that can easily cover up badly damaged walls. Installation may require a professional contractor, but the return on investment can be high.
4. Add some storage space
More often than not, the older the house the less closet space will be available. The economical answer is to install do-it-yourself closet systems in the bedrooms, entry closets, and pantries. Closetmaid is one example of an Internet site that allows you to redesign your closets online. Large home improvement retail stores will also have tools to help you with these projects, which often do not take more than a weekend.
5. Add a room in a week or less
For around $1600, your current den can be converted into a bedroom with the addition of a closet. With that investment, it changes a three-bedroom house into a four bedroom, making a significant difference in the sale price of the house. A custom drywall and closet kit can be bought to do the job.
6. Mind the mechanics
Make sure the electrical and plumbing are in good shape. It is a worthwhile investment as potential buyers will notice the care taken to maintain these basic yet vital systems.
7. Flooring and carpet
Carpeting and floor coverings are what people can both see and feel first when they enter the home. If flooring is worn, the potential buyer will take immediate notice. Carpet cleaning is a first step but the goal is to improve the look of every room.
8. Let there be light
Low lighting and recessed lighting are two issues that can be changed inexpensively and quickly. A chandelier is a noticeable feature in a dining room, and a slightly higher wattage, energy efficient bulb can light up a room to avoid a gloomy appearance. Many options are available at home improvement stores, including a ceiling fan–light unit. In addition to keeping the house cooler, it adds light to the area. Existing ceiling fans can have their blades replaced to update the appearance.
9. Reframe your entry
The main door to the house should have a large, sturdy handle and doorknob to highlight to visitors that they are entering a solid home. While basic steel front doors are common, you can repaint or design a faux finish to make it more attractive. A little paint or stain to existing garage doors can dramatically improve the eye appeal.
An initial coat of primer followed by a coat of paint specifically produced for metal objects is a quick, inexpensive way to get the job done. After these base coats dry, applying your choice of stain can turn the ordinary into amazing, and should only take a few hours.
10. Consider curb appeal
The first glance prospective home buyers will notice, whether walking to the house or driving by, is the cleanliness and neatness of the outside environment. If gardening is not one of your better skills, consider hiring a professional landscaper to plant a few shrubs, install sod where needed, and generally clean up the front yard. Not only will the neighbors appreciate the effort, but the overall perception of the house will increase the overall value