There are a host of things you cannot control in your home selling process. For starters, you cannot force potential buyers to come see your home, let alone make an offer on it.
To improve your chances, there are simple things you can address that could otherwise turn off prospective buyers. And for you, maximize the whole selling experience.
Look around the house and pay attention to these 9 simple and cost-effective repairs and updates.
Paint Colors That Don’t Blend In – Exterior
As a buyer pulls up to the curb, the first impression communicates a lot. What is the exterior color of the home? If it is a vastly different color from your neighborhood or general area, consider painting it.
The same goes for the interior. Is your living room is bright orange because it spoke of your personality and styles? You have to paint over it. Same goes for other rooms and especially bedrooms. Choose warm, neutral colors so buyers can project their own ideas and styles into each living space.
Depressing Landscaping
Potential buyers will also notice the trees, the grass, the pathway, the plants. They all matter. Expect lower offers if your yard is overgrown, covered in weeds, dead or dying. Keep plants trimmed and the grass freshly cut. Make sure the walkway is clear and the lawn is tidy. A fresh layer of mulch or rock will brighten up the outside too.
An Un-Welcome Front Door
The front door is one of the next things a buyer notices. Is it flimsy, cheap, or outdated? This will discourage the buyer before they ever set foot inside the home. Paint it; or better yet, replace it with a new one – it is an update you will easily recoup your cost.
A Nasty Smell Of … Ick!
Now that a possible buyer has (finally!) stepped inside, one thing that can turn a buyer off fast is the smell of cigarette smoke or poorly trained pets or … something else. It is nearly impossible for us to pick up on smells in our homes after we have lived in them for a while, so have a friend over to sniff around your place. If it stinks, do a deep cleaning – of everything.
Paint Colors That Don’t Blend In – Interior
As with the exterior, the same goes for the interior and even more so. Is your living room a bright orange and your kitchen a bright blue because they spoke of your personality and styles? You have to paint over it. Same goes for other rooms and especially bedrooms. Choose warm, neutral colors so buyers can project their own ideas and styles into each living space. Use a primer first over really bold colors.
Peekaboo Screens
Buyers will notice window and door screens that are torn, missing or damaged. Do not make this the things buyers see instead of the beautiful views out those windows. Screens can easily and cheaply be repaired or replaced.
Dripping Sounds
Dripping faucets or running toilets will cause a buyer to question your level of care of the home, and wonder what else could be going on elsewhere. These are quick and usually easy fixes.
Bad Lighting
Replace harsh lights with bulbs that have a warm-colored glow and at least 75-watt if the fixture will allow. Have any “guests” in any light fixtures? Clean them out to get rid of dead bugs or dirt.
Outdated Kitchen and Baths
I know — renovating a kitchen or baths can get really expensive, real fast. It does not need to be. Keep a makeover simple and quick – add a fresh coat of paint. In these rooms paint colors can be more inviting and interesting to the decor.
Also, update the hardware – switch out old cabinet knobs, light fixtures, handles and sink accessories for something fresher. All will be returned to you in a higher price and quicker process to closing.
You have the power to present your home in its best light. Remember, you can improve your opportunity to maximize the sale price and get you onto your next home by viewing the above 9 areas with “buyers eyes”.
