Sellers will often ask how they can improve the value of their home before putting on to the market. It’s the smart question to ask because when it comes to making a big impression with prospective buyers, you can achieve a lot with very little investment.
The opposite is also true – if a buyer sees they must spend money to get a property into shape, they will exploit the flaws in your home by going low with their offer.
As an experienced local real estate agent, I know the best way to avoid that scenario is to address the issues that will concern buyers ahead of time. This will give you an optimal chance to maximize the value of your home.
Buyer attention usually focuses on the overall size of the home, its bedrooms, kitchen and bathrooms. However, five other features influence them – either consciously or subconsciously.
This gives you an excellent opportunity to concentrate your efforts where it counts.
- Curb Appeal – You only get one chance to make a first impression – so make it a good one. Curb appeal sets the tone for everything the buyer is about to see inside the home. Repainting the front exterior is a great idea, especially if you use fashionable colors. A brightly-colored front door is another statement that can work well. If your porch light is rusty, then replace with an alternative that matches the style of your home. Get the landscaping ship-shape. Cut the grass, trim the hedges, put in new plants in barren areas, and lay down mulch to avoid weeds during your sales campaign. Potted plants are another good idea, but don’t go too crazy with them. The bottom line here is to keep it bright, light and uncluttered.
- Size matters – Buyers will often rule out a property because it’s not big enough. If you have an opportunity to add floor space, then this will pay dividends. If that requires a major remodel, ensure you capitalize on the existing space before you go to that expense. For example, you could turn your basement into a gym, a games room or a home theatre. Closing off a front porch so it becomes a sunroom or home office can also work.
- Go hi-tech – Buyers are influenced by technology at the entrance. This is good news because the price of gadgets such as smart doorbells, magnetic-release gates and electronic door locks are falling all the time. Nonetheless, these features give the impression of an expensive, secure home. Don’t expect them to add thousands to your asking price, but they add to the appeal.
- Be green – Staying with the technology theme, a commitment to installing energy-efficient appliances and devices will win over many buyers. Solar panels, LED lighting and double-pane windows are reasonably quick improvements. If you have your home audited for its energy consumption, you’ll turn heads. Your electricity company or an independent consultant can conduct an audit for you.
- Worry-free – Buyers love the idea they can move straight in and not worry about the state of the property. Your desired price always comes under pressure if buyers think they have work to do. So make sure facets such as timber windows, roofing and the water heater are in good shape.
- Minimal effort – Low-maintenance homes are in high demand. Gardens that are mulched or feature stone beds are popular. Plant some drought-tolerant plants for maximum effect. Inside the property, consider pulling out the carpet. Many buyers know carpet holds dust and they don’t love the idea of endless vacuuming. Investigate the flooring alternatives on the market. The choice is amazing.