Today's post is by Kris Louis of ParentingWithKris.com
Wouldn’t it be nice if you could just sell your house as is — immediately and at the price you’re asking for? While this may happen every blue moon, it’s not typically how the home-selling process works. Most of the time, sellers must consider a number of factors and put in time, money, and effort to help their home sell. It can be overwhelming to know where to start and which projects to take on, and this is why we’ve put together some of the best home projects for getting your home ready to sell quickly.
Roof Repair
Since it serves as the home’s first line of defense against the elements, ensuring that the roof is in good shape is paramount. Unless you have experience, roof work should probably be left to the professionals, and it can cost a pretty penny depending on the level of repair or replacement needed. Nonetheless, you will probably have trouble selling your home with a bad roof. Before you commit to a contractor, be sure you have an idea of what kind of work needs to be done. You can estimate by asking yourself questions like:
● Does your roof look like it’s failing (e.g., extensive dips, missing pieces, etc.)?
● Are there any leaks?
● Are there any cracked or broken shingles?
● Is there moss, algae, or mold growing on the roof?
Occupied Staging
When selling your home, it’s important to showcase the positives of the property and downplay the flaws. This is where occupied staging comes in. A professional stager will focus on the property itself to bring it to its full potential so that it appeals to more buyers by de-personalizing the property, maximizing storage and functional space, and creating focal points.
Updating Appliances
The kitchen is the most important room in the home when it comes to raising its overall value. While a full-on kitchen remodeling job can give you a great return on your investment, you can make a big difference just by updating the appliances. If your refrigerator, stove, microwave, and/or dishwasher are older, consider replacing them. Stainless steel can add the most value since it’s a popular option among buyers.
Revitalizing the Bathrooms
The bathroom is also essential to a home’s value. You can significantly boost the property’s appeal by doing a little bathroom refreshing by yourself. First of all, make sure the bathroom is squeaky clean while your home is on the market (this goes for the rest of the home a well). Also, you can change the whole look and feel of the bathroom by adding/updating items such as:
● Light fixtures
● Mirrors
● Shower and vanity hardware
● Towel racks
● Toilet paper holders
Painting
When it comes to home projects, this one may give you the biggest bang for your buck. With a little investment up front and some sweat equity, you can transform each room by painting the walls and trim. Painting the larger spaces neutral colors — like beige, gray, and greige — will allow for buyers to envision themselves in the home and provide them with more leeway for adding their own splashes of color through other design methods.
If you want to sell your home quickly, it’s essential to prioritize the right projects. Make sure the roof is in good condition, and look into occupied staging to put the property in the best possible light. Remember that the kitchen and bathrooms can add the most value, and consider refreshing the appliances and updating bathroom fixtures and hardware. Finally, bring new life to each room by throwing a fresh coat of paint on the walls and trim. Getting your home off the market at a price you’re happy with will be well worth the time, money, and effort you put in.
About the Author:
Kris Louis is mom to two rambunctious boys. Her oldest is 10 and her youngest is 7. A former advertising copywriter, she recently created parentingwithkris.com, where she puts her skills to work writing about the trials and tribulations of parenting. Kris, her husband, and two boys live in Durham, NC.