You may no be able to change the floor plan of your home or for that matter change the location of your home, but you can do many things on the exterior as well as the interior that will pack a greater emotional response from prospective buyers. The ability to make more money from the sale of your home can easily be accomplished if you make the right improvements and enhance what you already have. Basic, simple, inexpensive improvements will prove to get you more money when you sell your home.
Starting with the exterior, one of the most important aspects aside from its location is your homes curb appeal. You only have one chance to make a first impression, when a buyer pulls up to your home. If they can't picture themselves living in this house, they quite possibly could drive away never even getting out of the car to look inside.
If needed paint the exterior of your house. The old saying goes "paint makes em what they aint!" A fresh coat of paint will make your home look cleaner and look years younger. If the cost of painting is just not in your budget, maybe renting a pressure washer to clean the exterior of your house is an option. If the paint is peeling badly this may not be a good idea, as the paint will fly off leaving an incredible mess and making the need for a new paint job more noticeable. Don't worry if you can't make the paint or pressure washing possible. There are many other things you can do to give your home more curb appeal, which will ultimately help get you a higher price.
Mow the lawn. A well manicured lawn will make the entire yard look great. Plant some flowers. If you already have flowers planted make sure the flower beds are free of weeds. If it is winter time, trim back you garden and throw some mulch over the beds. This will give a much nicer appearance than dirt and dead plants. Make sure your sprinklers are set for early morning and after 8:00 P.M. so water doesn't get tracked into the house and so potential buyers can explore your yard with out getting sprayed
Trim your shrubs, especially around walkways and at entrance ways. Make sure walkways, patios, decks and the driveway are swept and kept clear of debris. Toys, bikes and skateboards need to be put away. If you have broken, rusted or worn out lawn furniture. Get rid of it. How about the old swing set in the back yard? If it is rusted or broken take it to the dump. Potential buyers do not want to have to worry that you will leave it behind for them to get rid of. Keep trashcans out of sight.
Does your yard driveway look like a used car lot? How about an out of commission marina? If you have numerous vehicles or boats taking up precious driveway space ask a friend or relative if you could possibly keep your vehicles there. You want to have as few vehicles and or boats in the driveway as you can, so as not to deter from your house. Also, clean any oil stains from the driveway.
Make sure the roof is in good condition. Does it need repairing? How about windows? Are there any broken window panes? If so you should replace them. Again if your budget does not warrant these types of repairs focus on the no cost and low cost things that will help maximize the curb appeal of your home.
The interior of your home is just as if not more important to potential buyers. Obviously you had to improve the outside to get them in. Now here are some tips for the inside.
Clean your house like you have never cleaned it before. Top to bottom, bottom to top. Make it shine, like the star that it is. The kitchen and bathrooms are the most important rooms in your house to a prospective buyer. Buyers want counter space. Are the dishes put away? Any small appliances toasters, blenders etc on the counter tops need to be hidden away in a closet. Believe it or not the kitchen will appear more spacious. Same goes for the bathroom. Have as little as possible on shelves and vanity tops. Make sure the bathroom sparkles. Clean the faucets, sinks, toilettes, tubs, showers and floors. Maybe it's time for a new shower curtain and bath mat. Seal and calk tubs, showers and sinks.
Clean and organize your laundry room. Make sure clothes are folded and laundry baskets are not in the way. If laundry needs to be done but you do not have the time, at least throw it in the washer. You don't have to wash it; you just don't want prospective buyers viewing your dirty laundry. Literally!
Make sure all of the beds are made. Clear the floor and furniture of any clothing. Keep bureau tops clutter free. Make sure toys are put away. Make sure any offensive posters or art work is taken down. Keep closets as organized as possible, by having clothing on hangers. You should store any extra clothing and shoes to make your closets appear larger. Minimize your furniture to help your rooms appear larger. The removal of knickknacks and clutter will also help your rooms appear larger. Placing plants and flowers through out the home is also a great way to add more appeal to your home.
If there are any cracks in your walls, repair them. If the walls need paint, paint them. If these items do not fit into your budget but you have done everything else above you will be well on your way to getting a higher price for your home.
You have accomplished everything on your list. Your home looks so good you are starting to wonder why you decided to sell in the first place. You are ready to show your home. Open up your curtains and blinds. Turn the lights on through out the house. Set the thermostat to a comfortable temperature. Make sure Fido is on his run outside and wait for all your hard work to pay off.
The buyers are pleasantly surprised when they pull up to your home. Your extra effort has not gone unnoticed; they are excited to get inside. If the buyers emotionally connect when they walk in your home by envisioning their family living there, you have accomplished great things. Congratulations on your high selling price.
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