With the holidays done and dusted, it’s likely you’ve spent a few moments reflecting on your home and what you can do to improve its function or your enjoyment of it.
Spending so much time with the family under one roof often focuses thoughts on the good, bad and ugly of your home. Perhaps you’ve noticed how everyone loves the open fireplace but been frustrated at the kitchen congestion at meal times.
As an experienced agent, I’ve worked with lots of clients who concluded their homes were no longer fit-for-purpose and it was time to move. Others checked out the local market but felt it made more sense to remodel or undertake minor upgrades.
If you’re in the sell-now camp, this is the ideal moment to start writing that list to prepare your property for the spring sales season: one of the best times to find buyers.
Creating a plan to address any shortcomings you’ve noticed will help achieve the best possible price. Below are a few common flaws that can be remedied cheaply and will attract buyers.
First impressions
With the sale of your home firmly on the agenda, invest in your front yard and porch as soon as the weather allows. They are fundamental to giving prospective buyers a favorable first impression. New outside lights, a freshly-painted front door and flowerbeds that can be planted full of blooms for spring will make a huge difference.
Find privacy
If neighbors can look into your home, consider new blinds that allow light in but prying eyes stay out to ensure privacy. The use of mirror film is a cheap and effective solution, too.
In the spotlight
If painting is one of the best low-cost ways to revitalize a room, then lighting isn’t far behind. Refreshing your kitchen and living areas with a mixture of recessed and downlights will make a stunning difference.
Keep it natural
On the topic of light, you should always maximize the amount of sunlight coming into your home. Avoid placing furniture in front of windows, and pull back the curtains to let the natural light flood in.
Tired tiles
Property fashions move quickly, and few rooms suffer more from this than the bathroom. If you’re yearning for an in-vogue, all-white experience on a budget, you can paint your tiles. Make sure you buy the right product as a specialist paint is required for this operation. Alternatively, hire a contractor for a more professional finish.
Stow it
Storage is a common challenge. Installing wall cabinets in the garage and garden shed can free up indoor living areas. And don’t forget about the simple utility of racks and hooks to get life’s flotsam and jetsam off the floor.
Go green
Wooden or metal fencing can feel austere even in the privacy of your back garden. Soften your surroundings by planting a lovely green hedge. If this is a short-term enhancement to prepare for a sale, plan to purchase mature plants and nurture them carefully as the weather changes.