The Projects to Tackle Before Selling Your Home

Wondering what kind of updates you need to make before putting your house on the market? What’s most important is fixing what’s broken, loose, discolored, or dirty and making small updates here and there.

In fact, before taking on the expense of an upgrade or renovation, make sure you’ll be able to get the return on your investment. By analyzing comparable properties (also called “comps”) and sales data for your neighborhood, we can determine the best list price for your home in the current market, and you’ll be in a better position to decide if that renovation you’re contemplating is worth the money.

There are certain things I always recommend before putting a house on the market, and others are worth considering based on your individual situation.

Here are some of my tips:

Cleaning windows (on the outside and inside) is a must. And make sure your gutters are clear – especially in the fall. I once showed a home while it was raining, and the potential buyers could see that the gutters were too full to do their job. It’s an easy thing to overlook, but it’s a good example of why the details matter.

Repair or replace the loose or broken things you’re used to seeing and don’t even notice anymore. Walk through your home with a critical eye – those are the things a potential buyer notices right away. Make sure a front gate is working smoothly, tighten loose doorknobs and fixtures, replace light bulbs, and repair any screens that are torn.

Re-caulk a tub or sink that needs it, which prevents leaks and makes everything look cleaner. It also helps to scrub the tile grout or re-grout, if it’s discolored or dirty. Refinishing a tub makes it look like new! In other words, your house can’t be too clean or too fresh.

If you have wood cabinets that feel dated, give them a new coat of paint and add stylish hardware for a fresh, contemporary look. Consider replacing countertops with one of the many affordable good-looking surfaces available today. In a day and age when kitchens are important and make a big first impression, these kinds of updates go a long way towards sprucing up a kitchen.

Good lighting is important to buyers. If a room is dark, add recessed can lights, under cabinet lighting, bedside lamps, table lamps or floor lamps.

High on the list of what buyers are looking for is a main bedroom suite – which usually includes a walk-in closet and a nice-sized, en suite bathroom with double sinks, updated countertops and fixtures. But before you take on a big bathroom renovation, you might consider simply updating your current bath with a new vanity, mirror, hardware, medicine cabinet, and fixtures. Again, it depends on the comps in your neighborhood.

If you want to get creative, save it for a laundry room or half bath. You might add fun wallpaper or a patterned tile floor to brighten things up. Or go for brushed gold hardware and fixtures, as opposed to more mainstream stainless or polished nickel.

If you’re thinking about selling, buying, or investing, I’m with you! Reach out and let’s talk.