Six Inexpensive Upgrades To Help Sell Your Home

Boost Curb Appeal

Curb appeal is everything when selling your home. It’s the first impression of your home so it needs to invite the buyer inside. If the lawn is not mowed and the paint is chipping, this gives the impression of a home that has not been care for. It leads the buyers to wonder what has not been taken care of on the inside. Here are a few ways to boost your home’s curb appeal:

Exterior: A new coat of paint or rent a power washer to give your home a fresh look. Paint or clean the front door and add a few potted plants.
Mow the lawn: Make sure to mow and weed eat the lawn to make the home looked cared for. Be sure to pick up any toys and remove any clutter.
Install a fence: A fence will give a nice visual punch to your property and will appeal to those with children or pets. More importantly, appraisers will give extra value to a fence in good condition.

Add Echo-Friendly Features

Glaze and caulk around windows. This is a simple way to reduce airflow and cut the cost of heating and A/C. Simply glaze around the glass and caulk the framing around the windows. This can be a simple DIV afternoon project.
Add insulation to the attic. This is slightly time-consuming, but it can be a DIV project and should not cost a lot of money. You will be able to market this new insulation as a means to cut heating and cooling bills as much a $600 per year.

Add New Detail Elements

An updated look will go a long way in speeding up the sale of your home. This is especially true if you have an older home. Simply changing the hardware on your cabinets and drawers will freshen up a kitchen or bathroom. A few inexpensive upgrades, such a faucets and new light fixtures, will lend a more up to date look as well. These home improvements should only cost a few hundred dollars, but these small details really make an impact on the buyer.

Open Up Small Spaces

Decluttering is one of the best ways to highlight space. Remove all unnecessary items so there is the appearance of plenty of space. If your room is full of stuff and your closets are overflowing, your potential buyer will perceive the home as not big enough for their needs. Once you have decluttered, consider painting the walls a light neutral color. Adding mirrors will also make the space feel bigger. Light is very important in a home as well. Consider replacing curtains for a sheer option to let more natural light in and replace lightbulbs with soft white bulbs in overhead lighting and lamps.

Upgrade Outdoor Space

Buyers want to envision themselves living in the home, and a patio or deck is a great way to set the scene for them. If you already have a patio or deck, re-stain or re-paint it to give it a fresh look. If you have existing outdoor furniture, make sure it is clean and consider buying new cushions and pillows. If you do not currently own outdoor furniture, buy some. It’ s an investment you can take with you to your new home!
If you do not have a patio, consider building one. A deck or patio area can be built with wood or stone.
Be sure to add potted plants or line with shrubs to boost the appeal. Add furniture and even a fire pit to give it that luxurious outdoor living feel.

Install a Home Security System

Home security systems are inexpensive and easy to install. When you go the DIV route, you can add only the elements you want. Adding outdoor lighting and motion sensors will add value to the buyer. Also, adding window and door sensors are an easy upgrade. It’s icing on the cake when you say you will throw the security system in for free with the purchase of the home. A home security system will give the homeowners peace of mind, especially if they are new to the area.

These small, inexpensive upgrades can make all the difference when selling your home. These upgrades could be the reason a buyer chooses your home over a competitor’s home. Make sure these upgrades are mentioned by your Realtor when showing the home.