We all know someone who’s been struggling to sell their home after they retired or decided to make a big move — and that someone might be you. Yet you don’t need to do an expensive renovation to make your property more attractive. Here are some simple tips to make it pop for potential buyers.
Add some light
U.S. News sheds light on the power of sunshine. Opening all the curtains, blinds, and shades will let in natural light, and washing the windows can make your home gleam. People love a bright home. For rooms with no sources of natural light, try a lamp to set the mood.
Bring in your go-to handyperson
Before putting your house on the market, it pays to take care of any small issues like leaks, squeaky hinges, or broken blinds, according to Architectural Digest.
Be your own auditor: Go through your home and check for any cracks or holes in the walls, leaky faucets, and blinds that need to be replaced. Be critical. Also ensure all the doors and cabinets are closing as they should and that wall outlets are covered for safety.
Write down anything that’s not up to standard. Then bring in your go-to handyperson (unless that handyperson is you!) to fix outstanding issues before putting your home up for sale.
Anything unique about your home? Share it with buyers
Showcase your home’s unique features during showings and on the listing, according to the Houston Association of Realtors. Whether it’s a hand-crafted fireplace where the new homeowners would hang their holiday decorations, or a Juliet balcony where they would people-watch, tell the story of future memories and lifestyles, realtor Todd Thompson writes.
And tell the history of the place — from its most intricate wood moldings to the mid-century ceiling beams. People aren’t just buying a physical place; they’re buying their future, complete with its history.
Don’t forget – curb appeal
Homelight reminds us that the first thing people see when viewing your home is the facade. Don’t allow outdoor maintenance issues to cause you to lose a potential buyer.
Clean or power-wash the exterior. Clear the gutters, manicure the lawn, and (yes, again) wash the windows.
Once the outside looks great, give the inside the same TLC. You might want to consider hiring a cleaning service for a deep clean. Getting those hard-to-reach spots to be spotless might help you hit the right spot for a buyer.
Bring in green plants
Add some plants or fresh flowers around the house, according to Garretts Real Estate Group. They bring in life and color, making your home feel warm and inviting.And there’s a reason plant-buying grew during the pandemic — houseplants help reduce stress, which could help potential buyers imagine themselves happy in your home.