Because it's relatively common for homeowners to sell their homes for an average of $2,000 more for every $1,000 spent to fix it up, sprucing up your homestead before putting it on the market is an excellent idea. Not only will you help your home sell more quickly if you fix it up before listing it, but you'll also stand an excellent chance of turning a profit on your home-refurbishment investment.
Instructions
Spruce Up Your Home's Interior
1. Repaint your walls. This is perhaps the simplest and most effective thing you can do to attract buyers. Statistics suggest that buyers of low- to mid-range homes seem to prefer interiors finished in neutral colors, while high-end real-estate buyers seem to respond better to more daring color choices. Thus, beige or off-white would make a good choice for your regular neighborhood bungalow, while a secluded, exclusive estate might benefit from striking reds or blues.
2. Strip off your old wallpaper if it's aging, and replace it with new wallpaper that works with the paint color you chose. Reflective hues that "bounce" natural light are an excellent choice, since home buyers respond better to brightly lit rooms.
3. Lay down new carpeting if your home's floors are carpeted rather than made of tile or hardwood. A new carpet is one of the most cost-effective ways to drive up your sale price, as it generally costs no more than $1,000 to re-carpet a large-sized room. However, new carpeting adds a strong sense of freshness and quality to a home, and it can increase the final price tag by much more than the cost of installation.
4. Resurface your counters if they're showing signs of age and wear. Most counter resurfacing can be done on your own for relatively little money and time.
5. Make any additional minor cosmetic improvements as you deem necessary. If your window screens are loose and ragged, replace them. If your old fridge is an eyesore, replace it with a newer model (or cover it in wallpaper or inexpensive cork tiles). Remember: fixing up your home is an investment, and it costs money to make money.
Make Your Home's Exterior More Attractive
6. Aim for cosmetic improvements rather than sweeping structural changes, unless your home has structural defects that might severely affect its market value. In the latter case, you might want to invest in a home-improvement contractor to come over and give your house a significant renovation.
7. Pay close attention to the appearance of your doors and windows. While outright replacement can often be avoided, you can fix up your windowsills and door frames with a quick refurbishment. Ensure that windows and doors are all squeaky clean before showing your home to prospective buyers.
8. Inspect your siding. Look for loose or damaged panels and replace them. You should also consider repainting your home's exterior to hide signs of weather wear and aging.
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