There’s a saying: “You only get one chance to make a first impression.” It works for a job interview and it definitely works for real estate!
If it’s been a while since your home has been on the market, it may need to get some updates and a “facelift” of sorts. There are some quick, significant ways to maximize your home’s appeal.
Sometimes little updates and grime catch up with you if your home has been off the market for a while. Luckily, working with my team can help you pinpoint problem areas of your home to maximize the overall appeal and wow at first glance.
Home improvement blogs and websites like Houzz and Pinterest are great for getting inspiration, too. Bringing some ideas to your home-staging meeting can help the projects get started on the right foot.
Below is a list of common home improvement updates we recommend for clients selling their home. It’s not a complete list but it should get the wheels turning for you!
Exterior
- Keep the grass cut and remove all yard clutter.
- Weed and apply fresh mulch to flower beds.
- You might find it’s best to hire a lawn care service while your home is on the market so your home is always "show ready."
- Apply fresh paint to wooden fences or accents around the exterior.
- Tighten and clean all door handles.
- Clean windows inside and out.
- Powerwash home's exterior.
- Ensure all gutters and downspouts are firmly attached and functioning.
- Paint the front door.
- We love this tutorial from HGTV.
- Buy a new welcome mat and add a wreath on the front door.
- Place potted flowers or shrubs near the front door
Interior
- Evaluate the furniture in each room and remove anything that interrupts "the flow" or makes the room appear smaller.
- Consider renting a storage unit to move items off-site.
- Clean and organize cabinets, closets, and bookshelves.
- Clean all light fixtures and ceiling fans.
- Shampoo carpets.
- Remove excessive wall hangings and knick-knacks.
- Repair all plumbing leaks, including faucets and drain traps.
- Make minor repairs (torn screens, sticking doors, cracked caulking).
- Clean or paint walls and ceilings.
- Replace worn cabinet and door knobs.
- Depersonalize the home as much as you can.
- You want to have the potential buyer imagine them living there.
- Replace broken tiles and fix or replace discolored grout.
- Replace worn countertops.
Special details for showings
- Turn on all the lights.
- It can also be helpful to update all of the lights with energy efficient bulbs.
- Open all drapes and shutters in the daytime.
- Keep pets secured outdoors.
- Buy new towels for bathrooms.
- Buy new bedding for bedrooms.
- If it’s not in the budget to add new bed linens & bedding, consider having the comforters professionally cleaned.
- Replace old lamps or lampshades.
- Play quiet background music.
- Light the fireplace or clean out the ashes and light a candelabrum.
- Infuse home with a comforting scent, such as apple spice or vanilla.
- Some sellers make a fresh batch of cookies.
- Set the dining room table for a fancy dinner party.
- Vacate the property while it is being shown.
Ready to get started on your next real estate adventure? We’re ready for you! If you’re looking to buy, sell, or invest in real estate in Middle Tennessee, send us an email.
