Fixes that will get you a Higher Price for your House

Ready to sell? These improvements are worth your time and effort!

1. Improve your landscape. Put down fresh sod, replace tired bushes with new ones and add some color, either with flower beds or potted flowers.
2. Spruce up your entryway. Buy a new front door or paint the old one. If your mailbox looks tired, buy and install a new one.
3. Change out light fixtures and plumbing fixtures. Gold light fixtures are long outdated, and brass is less popular than brushed nickel. Replacing outdated ceiling fixtures and bathroom faucets can give your home a modern touch for a minimal investment.
4. Clarify any spaces that might confuse buyers. If you have an odd alcove, add a desk or a dresser – something that will suggest how the space is best used.
5. Do partial renovations. Rather than gutting an old bathroom, consider getting a new vanity and refacing the existing tub. In the kitchen, keep the old cabinets but replace the counter tops and the hardware.
6. Consider removing popcorn ceilings. Many prospective buyers will walk out if they see popcorn ceilings. These ceilings need to be removed by a professional because they might contain asbestos (pre-1979 homes). If a newer ceiling, you can wet and scrape the popcorn ceiling. Or the other option if the ceilings are high enough, just drywall over and create new ceilings.
7. Remove window treatments, unless they are current and high-end. That cuts the risk of turning off would be buyers who don’t share your taste. Uncovered windows also let more light into the rooms.
8. Return rooms to their original uses. If you’re using your dining room as an office, turn it back into a dining room. If your third bedroom is an office, turn it back into a bedroom.
9. Replace dirty or worn carpet. You might try cleaning it first, but dirty carpet is always a turnoff for buyers. In some markets, you’re better off removing the carpet if there are hardwood floors underneath.
10. Depersonalize. Pack away family photos and take children’s drawings off the refrigerator.
11. Clean thoroughly. Do a deep cleaning before you put your home on the market so everything shines. Be sure to wash the windows.
12. Paint. Repaint all rooms with neutral colors. A fresh coat of paint also makes the house look newer and more modern.

Little things that get people through the front door matter. Obviously, you don’t want to spend money that you won’t get back. Since every dollar counts, hold off on pet projects and only devote your time and money to renovations that’ll bring you a return.