Spring is coming soon and that means longer days, warmer weather, and LOTS of homes going on the market. If you’re thinking about selling your home this spring, you may be looking for ways to make sure you’re getting the best price from a potential buyer.
Today we’re looking at a few ways that you can add big value to your home without breaking the bank. These tips are tried and true, so if you’re thinking about selling, talk to your real estate agent about which ones are best for you.
Give Your Home a Bath
Washing your home might sound a little silly, but it can have a BIG payoff when your real estate agent starts showing potential buyers. After all, the first thing a buyer will see is the outside of your home – and if it’s covered in dirt, grime and mildew, that can be pretty off-putting.
So take the initiative and rent a power washer (or hire a professional) and give your house a good, thorough cleaning. And while you have the power washer, don’t forget to clean up any walkways, along with your fence and deck. You’ll feel better once your home is sparkling, and it can have a big impact on the sales price too!
Freshen Up
If the outside of your home is painted, and the paint hasn’t been touched up recently, chances are good that it’s chipped or peeling in some spots. Giving your house a fresh coat of paint can give it a big boost when it comes to curb appeal. Just don’t paint your house any crazy colors – something in line with similar nearby houses will serve you best when it comes to having your house appraised.
Take a Look at the Roof
After a long winter, coupled with extended periods of inattention, your roof might look pretty shabby. Missing, broken or faded shingles can really take away from the appearance of your house, particularly if your roof is easily visible from ground level. Consider having your roof repaired (or replaced, if it’s really bad) prior to an appraisal. At the bare minimum, hire a professional roof cleaner to come in and remove those years of moss and dirt to make your roof shine.
Think about it this way: roof repairs or replacement can be costly, but you’ll spend the money either way – on having the work done or in a lower appraisal.
Clean Up Your Yard
A well-manicured yard is a great bonus when it comes to boosting the curb appeal of your home, and can make a big difference in the look and feel to a potential buyer. After all, if you follow all these other steps and then have an overgrown, weed-filled yard, the buyers will fixate on the negatives and all your hard work will be worth less in the long run.
Basic Maintenance Goes a Long Way
There are a few more simple things that you can do that might seem obscure or overly particular to you, but can easily catch a buyer’s eye and turn them off from purchasing your home. These include:
- Repointing any brickwork around your home
- Reseal cracked asphalt in the driveway
- Replace cracked windows
- Reattach or replace sagging gutters
- Straighten shutters