Part of obtaining the best possible price for your home is making it attractive to the widest possible audience of potential buyers. Properties that show like they are out of the pages of a magazine tend to generate top dollar. Today’s consumers go crazy for turnkey properties, many want to be able to just move in and enjoy. We understand that few properties fulfill this description, however there are steps that can be taken to make your property irresistible. A great place to begin is by maintaining a neutral décor and a clean, uncluttered look.
If you have some time and some allocated budget we recommend that you go around your property and outline all of the things that need fixing or updating. Review that list to identify which items you can realistically address given your limitations. Realtors are a great resource in this process as they can help you identify which of the items will have the greatest impact on the end consumer.
In general, kitchens and bathrooms provide the greatest return on your money and often lead to a faster sale when done correctly.
If a complete re-do is not in your budget, you can get a great bang for your buck by giving kitchen and bathrooms a simple facelift. Even just a fresh coat of paint (in a neutral tone) can have a big impact.
Here are a few other items to consider:
Exterior:
- Paint
- Fix damaged windows, lights, walkways, fences, etc.
- Porch / front door must look amazing: add plants, new doormat
- Make sure all door locks work well
- Landscaping, make it look appealing
- Mow lawns and power-wash everything
Interior:
- Paint
- Organize all storage areas
- Add closet organizers and shelving units
- Clean, clean, clean
- Shampoo carpets
- Fix any broken appliances
- Bathroom tiles free of mould and mildew
Whether you have a big budget or no budget at all, you should do what you can to make your home as inviting as possible. When was the last time that you bought a bruised apple?
