Home Improvement Tips Before Selling

If you’re planning to sell your home in the coming year, you likely have a “to-do” list started with a plan of action. Getting your home show-ready takes work, even when you’ve been a diligent homeowner. Let’s take a look at some home improvement tips to get your home ready for listing.

Pinpoint the top projects

If you’re not under a strict time limit to sell and relocate, take the time to walk around your property, and through your home, to create a list of things that need attention before you put your house on the market. For an expert opinion, consult with a real estate agent to create a targeted list of items to tend to before you put your home on the market. This way, you won’t be wasting valuable time and resources on projects that won’t move the needle when it comes time to sell.

Begin with curb appeal

When approaching home improvement to prep for selling, start by taking a hard look at the outside of your home. Never underestimate curb appeal because it’s the first impression your home will make on prospective buyers. Does the exterior of your home look cheery and inviting, or does it seem in need of TLC? It’s always a good idea to get trusted friends or family members to take a survey of your home’s outward appearance to help you create a list of improvements.

Tend to the beds

Many of the most pressing yard and home exterior projects you can do yourself. One of the best — and easiest — DIY home improvement tips is to make sure that your flower beds are cleaned up and planted with bright blossoms. Clear out any dead buds or leaf debris, purchase plants from your local nursery, and transfer them to your beds. Once planted, spread a layer of mulch over your flower beds to give a clean, tended look and help the soil retain moisture. Bright flowers in well-tended beds can take a house from drab and dreary to bright and cheery.

It begins with the front door

Make the entrance to your abode grand for prospective buyers by giving your front door a fresh look. Again, this is something that is quickly done yourself and taken care of on a Saturday. An insider tip is to use spray paint to create an even coat without visible brush strokes. Just make sure you give the door a once-over with sandpaper before starting to paint, and always use a good quality spray paint.

Small touches

Another easy way to give your home a fresh look is to swap out old hardware or fixtures with more updated and modern pieces. If you’re tackling your kitchen, instead of installing new cabinetry, consider refinishing or painting your existing cabinets and installing new hardware. The same rule applies to light fixtures in targeted areas, such as the kitchen, dining, and living rooms. It’s all about the small details, so even getting new switchplates for your lights can make a difference to someone touring your home.

Know when to spend

It’s essential to know your limits when it comes to DIY home repairs. Trust your gut and if you feel out of your comfort zone, start looking into hiring a professional. Spending money on home improvement is the right choice when it comes to specialized jobs. If anything mechanical or structural is in disrepair around your home, you want to get it fixed before listing.

Electrical work, roofing, plumbing, HVAC jobs; if you’re not handy, now is not the time to experiment. Ask neighbors and friends for recommendations of trusted contractors to help get your house in shape to sell. There’s nothing worse than getting halfway through hanging new drywall, only to discover that you’re in over your head.
If you’re unsure where to start with home improvement projects, seek out a trusted real estate agent in your area. Look for an agent with a reputation of selling homes quickly, as they’ll be the best pick to do a walk-through and give you a shrewd list of items to improve and get your home on the market.

Previous post:
Does Siding Increase Home Value?

Next post:
BEST IDEAS FOR KITCHEN DÉCOR THAT MAKES COOKING ENJOYABLE