As the housing market fluctuates, you may wonder if it’s still a good time to sell your property. While you may not be able to get above your asking price in the latter half of 2022, you can still get a pretty fair market value.
With that being said, what should you do when it comes to preparing your property to sell? You may be wondering what projects you should do before selling your house, or what’s not worth the investment. Let’s take a look at ways you can prepare to sell your home to get the best return on your investment.
Home Renovations to do Before Selling a Home
There are some renovations worth doing before listing a home for sale. Big payoffs can come from updating a kitchen, bathroom, or some outdoor features like siding or a deck. Buyers love to see those projects done so they can avoid living in a remodel after closing.
But what, specifically, should you spend your hard-earned money and time on before selling your home? Let’s take a look at what the home renovation and construction experts at Burbach Companies recommend.
Remodel the Kitchen
Did you know that a well-done kitchen remodel can offer up to 75% return on investment (ROI)? It can be such a hassle to live in a home without a kitchen, so if it needs to be renovated, doing so before you list your home can attract a lot more buyers.
What are the most important parts of a kitchen to remodel? The layout can make or break a kitchen’s functionality. You can have the best appliances and finishes, but a wonky layout can detract from those features. Besides a working layout that promotes the flow in the kitchen, here’s what else you should focus on before selling your property.
- Appliances
- Lighting
- Cabinetry
- Countertops
- Flooring
- Storage
If you can’t budget for an extensive remodel, focus on upgrades that make the biggest impact such as appliances and countertops. Remember that a new coat of paint can also make a big difference in the feel of your space, making it open-house ready in no time.
Remodel the Bathroom
Another high-traffic area of the home is the bathroom, and buyers love to see upgrades here before they put in an offer. Since the ROI on a bathroom can also be up to 70%, it’s most definitely worth tackling.
Like the kitchen, there are some sure-fire upgrades you can do that will appeal to potential buyers.
- Toilet
- Tub/Shower
- Vanity
- Mirrors
- Lighting
- Flooring
- Storage
- Tile
- Paint
Large or small, a bathroom with good lighting, clean fixtures, and storage can help your listing stand out.
Finish the Basement
Though you probably would have loved to enjoy the “extra” square footage your basement could have offered had you finished it while living there, getting it done before selling is the next best thing. A finished basement can garner up to 75% ROI, even if it’s just to the point that wiring and plumbing are done, and the drywall is prepped for paint.
Finishing a basement beyond just the framing can still leave the space open to personalizations by the new owners, but takes away the headache of facilitating the bulk of the construction.
Upgrade the Exterior
We all know curb appeal is huge when it comes to listing a house. Making upgrades to the exterior, whether it’s siding or landscaping, can go a long way for you as the seller. Experts say that upgrading siding alone can result in a 90% return on your investment. Here’s what else you should focus on when prepping the outside of your home for sale.
- Roof
- Garage Door
- Exterior Doors
- Windows
Outdoor Living Spaces
Does your property currently have outdoor living spaces? If not, can you add a patio, a deck, or a pool? While not absolutely necessary, if you can spruce up the landscaping or seating areas, you could enjoy up to 90% ROI.
Professional landscapers Cottonwood Landscapes recommends focusing on a few specifics when making changes to your outdoor spaces.
Structural Enhancements
If any part of your existing deck, stairs, or awnings is in need of repairs, tackle those first. Not only will it eliminate eyesores from the space, but it’ll ensure your space passes inspections when buyers perform due diligence.
Lighting
Make your space shine no matter what by adding permanent lighting to your home’s exterior. Motion-sensor lights are a great selling feature for backyard patios, around the garage, or any exterior doors. You can also add temporary mood lighting in case anyone comes to see your home in the evenings; line pathways with solar lights, or footpath lights around stairs.
Declutter and Stage It
Once you’ve finished all the renovations, it’s time to declutter and stage your home for sale. This will not only prepare your home for listing photos but for walkthroughs of potential buyers. It can be exhausting to keep a home clean for showings, so you’ll benefit from removing as much of your belongings as possible.
How to Stage a Home for Sale
Have you considered renting a dumpster prior to moving? While it’s tempting to throw away everything you own so you don’t have to pack it up, renting a dumpster doesn’t have to mean you’re resorting to such drastic measures.
Western Elite, located in Nevada, offers moving tips that may or may not require a roll-off dumpster rental. Whether for your remodel debris or a massive decluttering effort, you could consider renting a dumpster for anything you can’t sell or donate.
Depersonalize
Take yourself out of your space when preparing to sell it. Remove personal photos from the walls, tchotchkes, and pare-down items behind closed doors. Not only will this make it easier for potential buyers to picture themselves in your home, but it declutters the space and can make it feel bigger and cleaner.
Deep Clean
A clean home gives buyers less to worry about; they’ll see evidence that the home has been cared for. Remember that buyers open doors and drawers, so you’ll want to deep clean appliances, cupboards, and closets in addition to carpets and bathrooms.
Define Spaces
Help buyers see themselves using your space by clearly defining spaces. Show off how useful a great room is by featuring eating areas and seating areas with rugs and furniture. Turn a unique landing area into a reading nook, or dress up a loft as a craft area for kids.
Putting forth the effort to renovate, deep clean, and stage your home can be daunting, but it’s worth it. You can maximize your home’s potential with a little bit of extra effort so it will sell in no time. And remember you don’t have to do it alone. Look for experts who specialize in renovations and staging if you’re not sure where to start.
