5 Things To Do Before Selling a Home

If you want to get top dollar when selling a home then you want it to show well and appeal to the masses.  Updating it to make it look more modern will attract a lot more buyers and help you get the highest offer.  Here are 5 easy ways to improve your home before you sell.

1. Curb Appeal

When selling a home curb appeal is critical.  It is the first impression the buyer has and you want to show the house has been well maintained.  If you don’t have enough money to completely repaint the exterior you can make small changes.  Painting the door, adding new hardware and a new light fixture can instantly make the house look more modern.  It is also important to clear away any cob webs and debris.  Here is an example of the exterior of a house that I updated.

2. Paint Interior Walls

Painting the interior using a light crisp color will brighten up the space and make it feel more inviting.  A lot of people personalize each room using a different color.  When you are selling a home you want to neutralize it and paint it one color throughout the house.  My favorite paint color is Balboa Mist by Benjamin Moore.  It is a subtle light grey color that goes with any décor.  Here is a before and after photo to give you an example of what a difference it makes.

3. Kitchen Cabinets

A simple way to update your kitchen on a budget is to paint the cabinets.  The brown wood cabinets were a trend in the 80’s but they can really date the house.  I used the paint color Chelsea Grey by Benjamin Moore to update a kitchen.  For the counters I painted the grout a platinum grey to match the cabinets.  Ideally I would recommend putting in quartz countertops that look like marble but it was not in the budget.  

4. Kitchen Appliances

Updating your appliances to stainless steel really adds value to the home.  Having black or white appliances can really stand out and make the house feel dated.  We all know that the kitchen is the heart of the home so it is important to make it look good.  When it comes to the brand of the appliances it depends on the price point of the home.  If you really want to add value then you should opt for the more expensive brands like Viking, Thermador, Sub-Zero or Wolf.  If you are on a tight budget at least update all of the appliances so they match and are stainless steel. 

5. Light Fixtures

Light fixtures can give your house that “wow” factor so updating them will make the place feel more contemporary.  A well selected chandelier in the entry way and dining room can have a big visual impact.  I like to select light fixtures that will be timeless.  Choosing fixtures made of metals and a timeless design will appeal to most buyers.  Using Edison light bulbs can make it look more trendy as well.  Here are a couple examples of an entry and dining room.

Once you have made the improvements you should have it staged so it fills each room with a contemporary modern design.    If you are thinking of selling your home that needs improvements then contact me for a free consult.  Fixing up houses is my specialty and I would love to help you with your home!