Four Easy To-Dos Before Listing Your Home
If you plan on listing your home this spring, now’s the time to prep your home to look its best for potential buyers. But there’s a fine line to home improvements. You want your home to shine and garner top dollar, but you also don’t want to spend too much on improvements that pay few dividends. So where exactly should you spend your time and money? There’s an internet full of advice out there. But we’ve scoured the research and talked to a top Realtor to pinpoint four simple to-dos that are proven to attract buyers without breaking the bank. We’ll start with the most cost-effective to-do that adds a true “wow” to your home staging: better carpeting and flooring.
Replace Carpeting
Whether your home is staged like the best design show “reveal” or it’s completely empty, replacing your carpeting isf the easiest and most cost-effective way to show your home in its best light. Did you know that the median age of a U.S. home is 35 years, and some homeowners have only replaced the carpet once in that time — or not at all!? Design trends are always changing. Showcase a fresh, modern trend with the latest carpet style. Sloane’s Carpet Secret has a dazzling array of styles and materials in neutral colors that appeal to families or a younger, on-trend buyer. Plus, our unique model of securing high-quality carpet with barely noticeable imperfections saves you up to 70%.
Sarah Rogers, a realtor for more than 25 years in the Denver metro area, points to bank-owned properties. They always feature new carpet and paint because banks know these two strategies always impress and are both affordable. “At the very least, if you simply can’t afford new carpet, be sure to get the ones you do have professionally cleaned,” she advises. “Buyers fall for an overall feel of a house. You want yours to be fresh, clean and well maintained.”
If you don’t feel you can afford new carpets, it’s especially important you talk with us at Sloane’s. You’ll be shocked at how little money you need to spend to get luxurious brand new carpeting.
Paint
Painting just might be the lowest cost improvement with the highest rate of return. A nice neutral coat of paint gives your whole home a facelift. “Buyers love to see a fresh blank canvas,” chimes in Rogers. You can get color recommendations from a trained professional. Or visit your local paint store which is likely to have loads of examples of the latest color trends. “I love Benjamin Moore paints!” comments Rogers. “Colors also go in and out of style. Right now, cool tones like grey and blue are in.” If doing a major paint job sounds like too much, focus on areas that tend to show wear the most. “At the very least, I recommend sellers give a fresh coat of white to baseboards and window sills.”
Add Curb Appeal
There’s no getting around it: the front of your home is the first thing prospective buyers see. So, you better make it beautiful. Good home and yard maintenance goes without saying, but consider focusing on a few highlights, too. How about a freshly painted front door with gleaming hardware? “Choose a color that pops like turquoise blue or sunflower yellow,” recommends Rogers. Then add a few beautiful potted plants and you’re headed toward a great first impression. Also, take a long, hard look at any outdoor furniture and seating areas. These, too, should be fresh, well-kept and inviting to those prospective buyers
Keep It Trendy
Pay attention to trends in home design. You don’t have to redecorate your whole house, but pick a few areas to highlight. How about an entryway using vinyl plank in a herringbone pattern, mimicking the look and feel of artisan hardwood? “How are your bathroom floors looking? Buyers really enjoy a clean and fresh bathroom floor,” Rogers points out. Waterproof and highly durable, luxury vinyl plank is great for laundry rooms and baths. Or how about a new kitchen backsplash in an on-trend tile? “Pick up some pillows for a pop of color,” says Rogers. “These are items you can always take to your new place.” From knotted light fixtures to animal prints, there are many affordable, easy accents you can integrate into your existing home design that will keep it modern and inviting.