When preparing your home for sale follow the following DIY tips:
It’s common for home sellers to make big, sweeping improvements on their homes right before they sell. But while it’s true that buyers may prefer a kitchen with stainless steel appliances and granite countertops, you won’t recoup the cost of that major upgrade when selling.
If you’re hoping to sell in the next year, it’s best to put your money towards small changes that have a big impact. It’s common for home sellers to make big, sweeping improvements on their homes right before they sell. But while it’s true that buyers may prefer a kitchen with stainless steel appliances and granite countertops, you won’t recoup the cost of that major upgrade when selling.
If you’re hoping to sell in the next year, it’s best to put your money towards small changes that have a big impact.
PRETEND TO BE A BUYER AND PULL UP TO YOUR HOUSE
Imagine you’re seeing your home for the first time. Make sure it looks clean and inviting by clearing the sidewalks, and trimming or updating the landscaping.
Pro Tip: Buyers are naturally drawn to unique front doors, so consider painting yours a complementary, fresh color like teal, red or yellow.
POWERWASH THE EXTERIOR
Instead of repainting your home, try powerwashing it to freshen the exterior. Paint the trim (preferably white) to give it an extra pop.
Exception: If your home is red or
brown, you may want to consider
repainting it. Those are the least
popular colors for potential buyers.
The most popular home exterior
colors are white and yellow.
PAINT ONLY WHAT’S NEEDED INSIDE
Try to avoid repainting every
room, if you can.
Focus on touching
up the areas with
scuffs or holes from
previous wall hangings
Exception: It’s important that your
wall colors be neutral so buyers can
see your home as a clean slate. If you
have bold or unique walls, repaint the
rooms so they don’t stand out. And
yes, this includes kids’ rooms.
WASH YOUR
WINDOWS
Buyers “love” light and there’s no easier way to add light to a room than to make sure the windows are clean. Be sure to wash both inside and outside, and consider hiring a professional if you have hard-to-reach windows.
Pro Tip: You’ll save money and see less streaking when you use newspaper instead of paper towels.
QUICK KITCHEN UPDATES
Buyers love an updated kitchen, but it’s not worth your money to gut the whole thing. If you have old wooden cabinets, consider painting them white, and adding new hardware and a chic backsplash. If your lighting fixtures scream mid-90’s, replace them with inexpensive modern versions.
Pro Tip: The cheapest way to
create a modern look in an out-
dated kitchen is to replace your
countertops with — gasp! —
laminate. While your current laminate
is probably outdated, a variety of
fresh laminate countertop options are
available at a fraction of the cost of
marble or granite.
THE GARAGE IS NOT A DUMPING ZONE!
The last thing you want
potential buyers to think
is that you don’t have enough
storage in your home. If need
be, rent a storage unit for any
furniture or boxes that don’t fit
easily in your home and garage.
Buyers may need a certain
number of garage spaces for
their vehicles or even a boat,
so it’s important they see each
stall ready for use.
PLUS: WHAT’S NOT WORTH FIXING?
Unless you’re planning to stay
in your home for a
few years, don’t
bother with an
addition or attic
upgrade, home
office revamp,
swimming pool or full kitchen
remodel. These projects will
cost more than they’ll earn
you back upon resale
