Marc Serafino
Selling your home is not easy and neither is buying it. If you want to get more money, you will have to invest in your home, to make it look more desirable in the eyes of a buyer.
There are a few things you could do, and it’s up to you to determine what can be done. Some of these things cost real money, but they all pay off when the time comes to sell your home…
1. First Impression Matters
Like in pretty much any transaction, the first impression could easily make or break the deal. When it comes to selling your home, the first thing the buyer will see is a view of the house/building from the street. You should try your best to spruce up the visual appeal of your home so that it looks more “sellable.”
Take a photo of your home/apartment building from the street and ask yourself — “would I buy/live here?” If the answer is “no,” try to do something about it.
It is easier to fix the yard if you want to sell the house. However, if you’re selling an apartment, you may have to talk to neighbors to coordinate the “action.”
According to HouseLogic, which is a website operated by the National Association of Realtors, giving your house a good wash could increase its value by as much as $15,000. So yes, you’ll want to put in some effort to get that extra money.
Also read: 7 Things to Know to Stage Your Home Like a Pro
2. Upgrade Your Kitchen
Another important thing to invest in before selling your home is kitchen, and this applies to both houses and apartments.
According to a USA Today survey, 48 percent of homebuyers are willing to pay extra for a home with a kitchen island. So if you don’t have one, consider creating one from the scratch. If that’s not feasible, invest in aesthetics and add a few cool appliances that together make for a nicer looking kitchen.
3. …And the Bathroom(s)
The bathroom is the second most important room in your house/apartment after kitchen. Make sure it’s super clean. No compromises here.
If you’ve neglected it for years, you will have to put in some serious money to get that “fresh” look and feel. Don’t be cheap here but also don’t buy the latest Italian ceramics, which can cost a small fortune.
If you have an old toilet, consider replacing it. A new tile on the floors will also work.
The nice looking bathroom will make it easier to sell your home, as well as help get extra cash for it.
4. Repaint The Walls
Clean walls painted with certain colors can add up to $5,000 in a home’s selling price, according to Consumer Reports.
Like nearly everything, paint ages and begins to deteriorate over time. Moreover, walls get damaged and as such look overused.
So before putting a fresh paint on them, make sure that all holes are filled in. Then, paint the walls to “breathe new life into your home’s rooms” and, ultimately, increase the value of your home.
5. New Flooring
Last but not the least — see if you can install a new flooring in your home. Yes, it can be expensive but will instantly make your house/apartment that much more desirable.
Hardwood flooring is preferred by many, but its costs can go through the roof. If you can install it — go for it, and reap the benefits afterwards. Or you may opt for something more affordable.
The key here is to make your home look as new and fresh as possible. And since flooring tends to be one of the most worn parts, making it look new will take you a long way. So take some time to investigate different flooring options and pick the one that works for you.
Conclusion
For a vast majority of people, buying home will be their biggest purchase in life. They will be cautious but will also be willing to pay a premium for the place that “feels right.” Investing in your home will get you in that direction. It will cost but you’ll be able to get a premium price, so it’s worth it.
That being said, we want to know whether you know some other tip that could help all of us increase the price of our homes. Feel free to share in the comments form below. 😉
And before you leave, you may also want to check out this guide:Â Sell Your House In Just 7 Days (without a real estate agent).
