Making preparations to sell your home can be a long process, particularly when there’s a lot of work to be done. Updated fixtures, landscaping, painting, remodeling, and even adding rooms can increase property value.
However, it can be hard to know where to start (and what you can afford) before you begin. It’s best to put your money where it matters most, so making sure you focus on the hot-selling aspects of your home is the most important step.
Here are a few places to begin your touch-up process, and how you should decide whether or not touch-up means a few replacements, or a full-scale remodel.
Bathrooms
This is one of the most important rooms in the house, so it’s probably best to start here. Is the bathroom roomy enough? Is the toilet reliable? Does the room have reliable hot water? What about showerheads? All of these things are great questions to ask yourself, and while some fixes may require actual work, they’re bound to pay off.
The Kitchen
The other make-or-break location. A newly-remodeled kitchen can fetch you a ton of profit, so don’t be afraid to dump some funds into new tile, an island, and a new counter-cabinet set. The more room the better, and remember to check the appliances. Newer is almost always preferable, especially among younger buyers.
The Essentials
No-one is going to care about a kitchen remodel or an extra bathroom if there’s a leak in the roof. Tackle these problems first, and think about improvements afterward. Be sure to check off every problem, from the foundation to the gutter system.
Extra Space
Whether you’re adding a closet or another room, more space is always a positive. Many people complain about cramped spaces, so if there’s room for extension, take the chance and knock a few walls down. The extra space can pave the way for a better home layout and a happier business deal.
Landscaping
Curb appeal is a powerful motivator. If the house looks shabby from the street, the buyer isn’t going to be too excited about what’s inside. Replace shingles, add plants and shrubs, and even try power-washing or repainting the exterior for good measure. A good first impression can land you a lot of brownie points, and maybe even a motivated buyer.
Extra Stuff
This is a vague term, but it includes everything under the sun. A few added perks can tempt a buyer, especially when they’re bound to save the buyer money. A new, more efficient water heater, better lighting, film-tinted windows, and even home theaters can pull a lot of weight during your sell.
With a bit of elbow-grease and some effort, any home can be sellable. But with a bit more investment and some planning, a house can be an easy sell, as any real estate agent will tell you. It’s important to remember that when you invest in the right places, you can make your home more appealing and even make a profit off of your improvements.