Low Cost Ways to Spruce Up Your Home
Make a Great First Impression
Location is top priority for home buyers, but a national survey of nearly 500 real estate agents reveals that appearance also plays a large part in buyers’ first impressions.
Many real estate agents suggest sellers do several things to improve the appearance of their home:
- Clean the home. A good “spring” cleaning creates an uplifting feeling and lets buyers know the home has been well cared for.
- Make minor repairs. A house that needs repairs, even routine maintenance, looks like work to a buyer.
- Reduce clutter so it is easier for the buyer to imagine his or her own furniture and décor in your home.
- Neutralize odors. Air out the house, use an odor-removal spray on fabric items, light candles or bake cookies to fill the house with a pleasant smell.
- Update the décor. This can be as simple as a fresh coat of paint in a warm, neutral color to make the house feel clean and
spacious.
When you’re getting your house ready for sale, taking care of small things can remarkably impress potential buyers. Walk through your house and make a list of minor quick fixes. Here are some moresuggestions:
- Dust ceiling fans, especially the blades.
- Clean light fixtures.
- Check faucets and showerheads for leaks and drips.
- Repair running toilets.
- Dispose of extra hangers in your closets.
- Put fresh towels in the bathrooms.
- Wash away cobwebs.
- Make sure your doorbell and garage door opener work.
- Trim bushes so they don’t block windows and cut down on light.
- Buy a new doormat.
- Put a fresh coating on your driveway.
- Edge the grass around walks and trees.
- Keep your garden tools out of site.
- Be sure kids put away their toys.
- Buy a new mailbox.
- Upgrade your outside lighting.
- Use warm, incandescent light bulbs for a homey feel.
- Clean your gutters.
- Polish your front doorknob and door numbers.
- Replace heavy curtains with sheer ones that let in more light.
- Wash your windows and screens to let more light into the interior.
- Keep everything extra clean. Wash fingerprints from light switch plates. Mop and wax floors. Clean the stove and refrigerator. A clean house makes a better first impression and convinces buyers that the home has been well cared for.