By Mark Cipolletti, Realtor
When it comes to selling a home, first impressions are everything. That's why it's important for home sellers to make improvements that can help attract potential buyers and increase the value of their property. Here are some improvements that home sellers should consider making before listing their home for sale:
- Popcorn Ceilings - Popcorn ceilings are outdated and can make a home look old and uninviting. Consider removing them and replacing them with a smooth finish to modernize the look of your home.
- Wallpaper - While wallpaper can add character to a home, it's often a personal choice that may not be to everyone's taste. Nothing turns off buyers more than wallpaper so consider removing it and painting the walls a neutral color to appeal to a wider range of buyers.
- Bold Paint Colors - Bright or unusual paint colors can be off-putting to potential buyers and they look terrible in the online listing photos. Consider repainting the walls in a neutral color to create a blank canvas that allows buyers to visualize their own personal style.
- Broken or Outdated Kitchen Appliances - The kitchen is the most important room in the house and buyers know they will use the appliances every day. Not only will new(er) appliances improve the buyer’s opinion of your home, they will also recognize that they won’t need to buy new ones for several years.
- Colored Bathroom Fixtures - Colored bathroom fixtures (like blue, pink, green and mustard) make a home look dated and remind buyers that these items haven’t been updated since the 60s or 70s. Consider replacing them with white fixtures for a more updated look.
- Heavily Landscaped Yards - While landscaping can add value to a home, an overly landscaped yard can make it appear high-maintenance. Not many buyers want to take on a second job as a gardner so consider simplifying the landscaping to create a more inviting and low-maintenance outdoor space.
- Old Carpet - Old carpet is gross and a turn-off for potential buyers. Most buyers don’t want any carpet or only find it acceptable in bedrooms so replace it with fresh carpet or consider hardwood or laminate flooring for a more modern look.
- Mismatched Flooring - Speaking of flooring, having different flooring in every room makes your home feel smaller and connecting rooms often don’t coordinate well together. Buyers always point this out when touring homes for sale. If budget allows, install one continuous flooring material or at least minimize them.
- Weathered Exterior Doors and Entries - Your front door is the first thing that prospective buyers will see and touch when visiting your home. Make sure the paint on the door isn’t chipped or faded. Install a new door handle, lock and lighting too if the existing ones aren’t making a great first impression. Nothing is worse than when an agent has trouble unlocking the front door because the lock is broken.
Making these improvements can help create a more desirable and marketable property, which can ultimately lead to a faster and more profitable home sale. Remember that small improvements can go a long way in attracting potential buyers and increasing the overall value of your home.
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