Chances are you’ve been spending a lot of time at home lately, and if you’ve been thinking about selling, now might be the perfect time to get your home in showing condition. Small improvements can make a big difference when it comes time to list. Be ready to hit the ground running with these tips – most of which can be tackled without a trip to the hardware store:
Declutter: Whether it’s going full-on Marie Kondo or simply clearing out a closet that’s been overflowing with junk, now is a good time to assess what can stay and what can go. Buyers are interested in imagining space as their own, so the more you can declutter, the better. Bonus points if you can donate any of your belongings.
Clean the Yard: Raking leaves, pulling weeds, trimming trees and shrubs, and adding fresh mulch are all simple and low-cost ways to instantly boost your curb appeal. Buyers who see that a home has been cared for on the outside will have more confidence that it’s been loved all over.
Paint: The ROI on a fresh coat of paint is hard to underestimate because it can instantly make the oldest of homes look bright and lively. For the interior, pick a light but neutral shade. Light colors make spaces feel open, and neutral shades make it easier for potential buyers to imagine their own aesthetic. If running out to the paint supplier isn’t an option and you have left-over paint sitting around, take time to touch-up scuffs and stains on your existing paint.
Bathroom Deep Clean: Your bathrooms are spaces in your home where cleanliness is paramount for first impressions. Unfortunately, they’re also the toughest spaces to keep clean. Take this opportunity to do a deep clean of the tub, toilet, vanity, and all of the tile and grout. You’ll need to keep up with a little spot cleaning, but the task will be much more manageable when the time comes to list.
Kitchen Deep Clean: Like the bathroom, you want your kitchen to invite potential buyers – not gross them out. Take time to clean the oven/stovetop, refrigerator, cabinet faces, and countertops.
Update Cabinet Hardware: Replacing dated cabinet hardware in is a cheap and easy way to give a fresh look without the expense and hassle of refinishing or replacing cabinets. The best part? You can order hardware online and have it delivered straight to your door.
Pressure Washer: If you have access to a power-washer, give your outdoor walkways, driveway, patio, fencing, and siding a spray. A power washer can make old surfaces look new again at practically no cost. If you don’t have a power-washer handy, utilize social media to reach out to friends or neighbors about borrowing one (they’re probably stuck at home too, after all).