Initially, it may seem like backwards logic to complete a few home improvement projects before selling your home. Most people want to renovate their home in order to enjoy it for themselves. However, there are several low-cost projects that you may want to consider before your listing your home, as these improvements could help increase the value and appeal of your property.
These are a few home improvement projects that you should complete before you put your home on the market:
Upgrade the Landscaping
When a buyer drives up to your home before their showing, your front yard is the first thing they will see. First impressions are critical when your home is on the market so upgrading your landscaping is important. A few things that you can do to your landscaping before your list your home are:
- Remove all weeds from the landscaping.
- Purchase fresh flowers and plants to decorate the yard.
- Add new landscaping trim to complete the look.
- Refresh the mulch or rock beds in your yard.
Add a Fresh Coat of Paint
When you are living in your home, you have the freedom to paint your walls any color that you choose. While you may love a banana yellow kitchen or a deep red bedroom, it's possible that prospective home buyers may be turned off by the colors you have selected. Before you list your home, buy a few cans of paint and give each room a fresh look. Neutral colors are ideal when you are listing your home, as this allows buyers to envision their own ideas for the house.
Replace Old or Worn Carpet
Worn down carpet can be a detraction to home buyers who are interested in your home and they may see it as an expense that they don't want to take on immediately after purchasing a new property. Prior to listing your home you should replace your old carpet or invest in wood floors for your home. Fresh flooring will give your home new life and will increase interest in your home.
Refresh the Bathroom or Kitchen
Many people who are in the market for a new home are looking for properties that have valuable updates such as new bathrooms or kitchens. These can be costly remodel projects, but if you are hoping to put your home on the market you can do an affordable refresh to make your home more presentable. You can consider:
- Painting the room a light color to make it look larger.
- Painting or staining the cabinets to achieve a more modern look.
- Replacing mirrors, lights and hardware to coordinate with the rest of your home.
- Investing in affordable new appliances, if necessary.
While you may have to front some of the costs initially in order to complete these home improvement projects before your house goes on the market, you will reap the rewards once your house sells. Most of these home improvement projects will increase the value of your home and you may be able to list it for a higher price than you would have if you had not completed the work in advance.
About the Author
Meryl Diamond
While I was born and raised in Brooklyn, New York, I have spent the last 27 years living in the Lisle and Naperville area. The first single family home my husband and I ever owned was in Green Trails, Lisle. There were two things we loved about living in Green Trails - the sense of community and all the green space. This was a dream come true for my children who always had a friend to play with or a babysitter near by. For me, it gave me a chance to get to know the neighbors whom I have built lifelong friendships with. From neighborhood garage sales to summer barbeques, we always found reason to come together.
