When selling a home, it is not always possible to do a total overhaul. Sometimes even a handful of small steps that can be done in a weekend, will help make a house more attractive to buyers. You don’t want to completely depersonalize the home, but it should appeal to a wide range of prospective buyers.
Consider the Neighbors When Working on Curb Appeal
Simply put, it is best to blend in. When a prospective buyer is cruising the neighborhood, they are on the lookout for clean surroundings and manicured landscaping. Now is not the time to take design risks—unique designing decisions won’t appeal to the masses and will hinder your home from being sold.
Fixing up the Driveway
There are so many ways to update a driveway besides simply fixing any cracks. Block paved driveways can be done in an array of designs using regular or irregular shaped pavers to create beautiful patterns. Gravel driveways offer flexibility with choosing size and color. “Crazy Paving” allows for a more creative path; extra variety in regards to style, size, and shape. Even simple concrete can be jazzed up with patterns imprinted while still using long lasting and reliable material.
Tidy Up the Entry
The front door should not be faded or chipping, and the walkway/porch should be free of debris like leaves. To spruce up the entry, apply new paint to the trim and door. You can replace the house number and lighting elements to give a look of newness.
A Welcoming Foyer
Even without a foyer, the entrance to the home should provide instant appeal. Kick the clutter—put away any shoes, keys, umbrellas, or coat racks that would make the area feel untidy. If the space allows it, add in a vase with flowers that are welcoming to buyers.
An Inviting Kitchen
This room is at the top of many buyers’ must-haves. Many buyers are looking for upgraded appliances and finishes so that they do not have to tackle renovation themselves. There is a much greater return on investment with a kitchen—the value of your home will go up.
Hallways
If your home has a long hallway with the bedrooms coming off of it, break up the walls with artwork. Contrasting hues and colors will make the hallways seem shorter and more appealing. This is possibly the simplest of ideas for selling your house quickly.
A Master Retreat
Buyers yearn to be able to relax in their master bedroom. Help them envision this in your home by taking out bulky furniture to provide plenty of space. When buyers are coming though, make the bed and add soft textures to make them feel as though they could fall asleep there.
Living Areas Need to Offer Comfort
Living and family rooms should appeal to the buyers and make them want to stay a while. Comfortable couches should be topped with accent pillows, and rugs should sit in front of couches and under coffee tables. Secure the rugs if they are placed in a main area—tripping would leave a bad taste in the potential buyers’ mouth.
An Inviting Back Yard
Buyers find a lot of appeal in outdoor living spaces. The area should be well maintained and free of debris and toys with small added decoration to porches. Make sure that any patio furniture is clean and free of dirt.
Feeling of Light and Airiness
Mirrors will make a room appear much larger and lighter—consider these for hallways or smaller rooms. Windows should be cleaned inside and out, while broken light bulbs should be replaced. This will add to the overall lighting of the room without any major changes. Any oddly dark corners can be lit up with the addition of a lamp.
Make the Minor Repairs
This would be things such as broken door knobs, cracked tiles, threadbare carpets, holes in the walls, etc. Many potential buyers look for a home that is move-in ready, so they do their best to avoid being responsible for any small repairs.
Get the Right Smell
Bad smells will turn buyers off. If there are any bad smells, they should be fixed and not covered. Clear out all garbage, and tend to the drains. Brewing a fresh pot of coffee will help to create a simple, familiar and appealing environment.
