5 Tips for Getting Your Home Ready For Sale in 2024
So you’ve decided to sell your home in 2024. That’s a significant first step, but more work is likely needed before you can list your home. You’ll want to make sure you’re taking steps to make sure it’s in top shape so you can stand out in a competitive market. Not only will this increase your chances of a successful sale, but it can also raise the value of your property.
We have a few ideas to help you get your home ready to hit the market in 2024. Check out these five key home improvements that you should consider making before listing your home for sale.
1. Invest in a Deep Clean
Just as you wouldn’t attend an important meeting in dirty clothes, you should give it a deep and thorough cleaning before you present your home to potential buyers. Consider bringing in the professionals for a truly deep, comprehensive clean. They’ll tackle those stubborn stains you’ve been trying to ignore and will make your appliances shine like new again. They’ll scour every inch of your home, ensuring it’s spick and span for your potential buyers to inspect.
The result of a deep clean is more than just surface appeal; it’s a testament to the care and maintenance you’ve dedicated to your property. When a potential buyer walks into a sparkling clean home, it sends a powerful message. It says, “This home has been well cared for,” and that’s a message buyers will undoubtedly appreciate.
2. Refresh your Paintwork
It’s incredible how a simple coat of paint can breathe new life into your living space. It not only refreshes the overall aesthetic but also successfully camouflages minor wall imperfections like nicks and scratches that have occurred over time.
Remember, the exterior of your house deserves just as much attention as the interior. The external view is the first impression buyers will have of your property. So, roll up your sleeves and freshen up those exterior walls, doors, and window frames. It will significantly boost your curb appeal and make your home stand out in a crowded market.
3. Update Your Flooring
Flooring, the unsung hero of your home’s aesthetic appeal, needs your attention before you list your property. This silent star can dramatically influence a buyer’s perception, and an outdated or worn-out floor may stand between you and the offer you’re hoping for.
Remember, your flooring is more than just a surface; updated floors can speak to how well you’ve maintained the overall upkeep of your home, your home’s energy efficiency, and the safety of your home. Each step a potential buyer takes brings them closer to a decision. Make sure your floors are telling the right story.
Updating your floors with carpet or LVP can cost as little as $3.50 a square foot and can save you over new or refinished hardwood floors.
4. Revamp Your Kitchen and Bathroom
We’ve heard this refrain for years, and it’s still true: kitchens and bathrooms sell homes. Don’t let a worn-out kitchen or an outdated bathroom detract from your home’s overall appeal. Instead, use them as an opportunity to impress.
You don’t need a complete overhaul or costly remodel, but a few thoughtful updates can have a significant impact and can dramatically increase your home’s resale value. Start by assessing your kitchen countertops and bathroom vanities. Are they chipped, worn, or simply outdated? Upgrading to a modern, durable material can create a striking first impression and give these rooms a fresh, updated look.
Cabinets are another aspect to consider. If they’re in good condition, a fresh coat of paint or new hardware can give them a new lease on life. Fixtures can also be a speedy update. From faucets to lighting, replacing outdated fixtures with sleek, modern alternatives can drastically improve the look and feel of these spaces.
Don’t forget about your appliances and amenities. Ensure that all appliances are in working order and consider replacing any particularly outdated or inefficient.
5. Improve Your Home’s Energy Efficiency
A 2023 survey showed that 63% of agents and brokers reported that energy-efficiency promotion in a listing was valuable. And savvy buyers are not only interested in the aesthetic appeal of a home but also its energy efficiency. As a home seller, you can tap into this growing trend to set your property apart. Efficient energy use doesn’t just help save the planet; it also eases the strain on the monthly utility budget.
If your appliances are older models, it might be worth upgrading to more energy-efficient versions. Look for appliances that carry the ENERGY STAR label, a government-backed symbol for energy efficiency. These models can consume up to 50% less energy than standard appliances, offering potential buyers significant long-term savings.
Your heating and cooling systems can be another focal point. A well-maintained HVAC system runs more efficiently and offers better comfort. But if your system is significantly old, an upgrade to a newer, more efficient model might be worth considering.
Lighting is another area where small changes can make a big difference. Replace your traditional incandescent bulbs with energy-saving LED or compact fluorescent bulbs. These alternatives use less electricity and last longer, a feature that potential buyers will notice.
If you’re up for a larger project and it fits within your budget, consider solar panel installation. Solar power can drastically reduce or even eliminate electricity bills, making your property highly appealing to cost-conscious and environmentally friendly buyers.
In a buyer’s market – and it looks like that might be the case – getting your home in the best condition is vital to helping make it stand out. These simple yet effective upgrades can help make your home more attractive to potential buyers, set it apart from other properties on the market, and put more money in your pocket.