When it comes to selling your home, obviously you want to do everything you can on your end to add value to your home and secure the highest offer. But while you might automatically assume that major added value comes from major renovations, sometimes it’s the small things that add up ending the most value to your home.
Here are four small, inexpensive changes that can add major value to your home (and get you higher offers in process):
1. Spruce Up Your Exterior
While many homeowners focus their renovations and changes on the interior of their home, the exterior of your property is the first thing potential buyers will see. And if you want to get off on the right foot and make a positive first impression, it’s important that the exterior of your home is inviting and well-designed.
You don’t have to completely landscape your property in order to make a good first impression. A few minor changes to the exterior can really spruce things up and make the space feel more inviting for potential buyers.
Put a fresh coat of paint on your front door. Line the walkway leading up to your entrance with inexpensive potted plants. If you have room, add a small chair or table to create a sitting area on the front porch. And always make sure your lawn is watered and mowed.
Having a clean, inviting, and well-decorated exterior will have buyers falling in love with your property before they ever even walk through the front door.
2. Add A Fresh Coat Of Paint
One of the most inexpensive ways to add serious value to your home is by adding a fresh coat of paint, particularly if it’s been awhile since your walls have been redone.
Old, peeling, or out-of-date paint can make your home look like it’s in rougher shape than it actually is. A fresh coat of paint will breathe new life into your rooms and frame them in the best light to potential buyers.
When choosing paint colors, go for neutral colors like gray or beige; using bright or unique colors can be off-putting to some potential buyers. Neutral tones makes it easier for buyers to see themselves in the space. Just be sure to avoid white – the color can feel overly harsh and can make your home feel cold and impersonal (not exactly the feel you’re going for when selling a home).
3. Update The Bathroom
If you have an older home, making a few minor updates to the bathroom – even if they’re only cosmetic – can go a long way in adding value to your home.
Things like outdated wallpaper, tile, or light fixtures can make your bathroom feel dated, a feeling which may carry over into the rest of your home and turn off potential buyers.
Take stock of your bathroom and see what changes might help it feel more modern and up to date. Currently have wallpaper that looks like it belongs in the 80s? Ditch the wallpaper for a more modern print or a fresh coat of paint. Does your vanity feel ancient? Try replacing the hardware for a more sleek look.
Renovating a bathroom can be pricey, but cosmetic changes are not – and can have a huge impact on the value of your home.
4. Hire A House Cleaning Service
When you’re selling your home, it needs to be spotless. Dust bunnies under the couch, stains on the sink, or fingerprints on the wall can keep you from getting offers on your home – even though all of those situations are temporary and completely reversible.
And while you might be great at cleaning under normal circumstances, when you’re selling your home, you should definitely consider hiring a professional cleaning service. Professionals are trained to cover every nook and cranny and ensure that your house is sparkling by the end of the service. And having a house that’s expert-level clean can be a huge selling point to potential buyers.
Look for a local cleaning service that has experience preparing homes to sell and book their services before your next open house. This minor investment can pay off big time when potential buyers are drafting up their offers.
Before you sell your home, you want to do everything in your power to drive up the value and walk away with the highest offer possible. And these four changes are so small, inexpensive, and easy, there’s no reason not to use them to your advantage!
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