Easy Home Improvement that Make Your Home Shine

Love Selling Your Home Series. A step-by-step guide that covers everything you need to know to sell your home in today’s market, from finding a real estate agent to all the way to settlement day. 

First impressions from the get-go are very important when it comes to selling your home. You want your home to stand out against the others in your neighborhood.

But you don’t need to spend thousands of dollars to get your home show ready. There are many easy and inexpensive ways to make your home look its best and show well to potential buyers.  

If you plan to move soon or in the next year or so, start to think about what you can do to make your home shine and be more profitable in the long run! Here are some steps you can take to get your home show ready. 

Be Smart and Strategic

• Don’t waste money or spend foolishly. Little improvements can add up, come up with a plan before you head out to Home Depot or start tackling any projects. Go through each room to determine which ones need help. That way you’ll get a complete picture of potential projects and expenses.

• Make sure to consider cost effective attractive upgrades or enhancements. That way your initial investment will not only help sell your home but you’ll reap the reward of a better sales price. Examples include new light fixtures, bathroom or kitchen hardware, and fresh light switches.

• Know your market and what potential buyers are looking for. Every neighborhood is different so know what features are big selling points. If comparable homes have granite or quartz counters and yours doesn’t you may want to consider upgrading. 

• Don’t think you need to do major renovations, even in the bathroom and kitchen.  Focus on basic updates that make your home look clean, stylish and polished. Smaller upgrades can make an impact on your home, and show it’s well-loved and well-maintained. 

• Skip the luxury fixtures or appliances. But do stay clear of anything that looks cheap or not well-made.  That would be wasted money,  buyers may budget in the cost to upgrade themselves.

• Buy things you can take with you to your next home. If you buy new throw pillows, an area rug or duvet cover, try to select items that you can use in your next home. Think strategically every time you make a purchase.

• Give yourself time to get projects done. Selling a home can be stressful as it is. Try not to stress yourself more by rushing to get everything done in a few weekends. Start working on your home before you want to list it. You’ll also avoid making rash decisions that could cost you more money. 

Make Your Home Sparkle & Shine

• Declutter everywhere, and I mean everywhere. Make keep, donate, and trash piles now before you move. Clear those bathroom and kitchen counters, bookcases, closets, pantries, cabinets, etc. If you have extra storage space pack up your personal decor items before moving day. While a little more time consuming a fresh open space can make a big impact when someone walks into your home.

• Clean your entire home thoroughly.  Take a weekend to do a deep clean of everything. If you can’t do it or don’t have time yourself, then hire a professional cleaning company- they’re worth the investment.  Then maintain that sparkle yourself on a regular basis. Don’t forget to clean your carpets and wipe those baseboards! 

• Keep your pantry and cabinetry clutter-free. Decluttering first will help you here. Organized shelves and cabinets make even a small kitchen look like it is functional and has lots of storage space. Definitely don’t over stack or store your tableware, pots, and kitchen tools in your cabinets. 

• Remove window treatments and screens to let in as much light in as possible.  A bright home is a cheerful, welcoming home. You might want to consider a professional window cleaner. Drapes can be so subjective (you either hate or love the fabric or style) so removing them makes buyers focus on the rooms and the light!

• Don’t forget about lighting. Consider replacing outdated light fixtures or replace the bulbs with a soft yet bright light. Even getting a new lamp shade can update your current fixture. 

Get Designer Touches for Less

• Add color, warmth or ambiance. This can be an quick an easy upgrade that can really make your rooms shine. Try new pillows for your couch, flower arrangements,  new bathroom rugs, or updated throws for your bedroom. Pick a focal point in each room, examples could be bed in the bedroom with updated linens or a plant in the corner of your living room.

• Look for guidance in design magazines and on Pinterest. If you can’t afford a professional stager or consultant, and desperately need some design guidance then get some magazines or go on Pinterest to see what is trending.

• Look for guidance in design magazines and on Pinterest. If you can’t afford a professional stager or consultant, and desperately need some design guidance then get some magazines or go on Pinterest to see what is trending.
• Don’t forget to use what you already have if necessary. Maybe something in your bedroom or another room (such as a painting, chair, a cool mirror, etc.) can bring more style to your living room and vice versa. Ask a friend for input and be open to mixing it up!

Showcase Rooms for Everyday Living

• Make extra rooms have a purpose with style.  Turn an extra bedroom into a real guest room or a great office space. Show buyers what each room can be used for and stage it with furniture or pare it down if necessary. You want buyers to picture themselves using that room.

• Showcase any unique spaces or features. Do you have a nook, alcove or area under the stairs? Now is the time to play it up and make it look nice and useful.  Create a work station or a quiet reading bench in that space with all the necessary “props.”  Think cozy blanket on that bench with a nearby tray for a coffee cup or books.

• Make your dining room and kitchen tables look polished and pretty. You can set the table with linens and tableware, and flowers in a vase. This includes any outdoor dinning you have. Again, Pinterest is a great place to get ideas. 

As you can see, you can find easy and inexpensive ways to make your home look its best. Sometimes you’ll need to spend a little bit more money but the investment should be worth it. 

Thinking about all the things you could do to make your home shine can be overwhelming.  Focus on what you must do, and get those items done first.  Not sure what would have the biggest impact on your potential buyers?  That’s what I’m here for!  I’d be happy to set up a time to walk-through your home and see what you need to do to prepare your home to sell and more importantly what you can skip!