Increase Your Home’s Value for Little or No Cost

Many people think they have to put a lot of money into their home to increase its value. This is not true. You can significantly increase the value of your home for little of no cost. One of the most important parts in selling your home is getting it to show well. When you home looks good, you usually get top dollar for it in minimum time. On the other hand, if it does not show well it may stay on the market far too long. Here are a few ideas of what to do to increase the value of your home.

How to Improve the Curb Appeal of Your Home

The first thing a prospective client sees is the outside of your home. You want them to have a good enough impression that they want to see the inside of your home. Here are a few suggestions for making the outside clean, neat and appealing.

·         Move all extra cars away from the home when showing it. It avoids the appearance of too little parking space.

·         Clean the garage. Pick up and organize the tools. Remove all garbage.

·         Mow and water the yard regularly.

·         Edge the sidewalks and flower beds.

·         Weed the flower beds.

·         Trim your trees and shrubs. Be sure to remove any dead plants.

·         Carefully clean everything to the entrance of your home.

·         Fix any broken sprinkler heads.

·         Clean all pet areas and remove any unpleasant odors. You don’t want potential buyers worrying about pets as they tour your home.

·         Clear out all gutters and clean the roof if necessary.

·         Double check your gate. Make sure they open and close with ease. Fix any broken or sagging fence pieces.

·         Make sure your doorbell works correctly.

·         Move all firewood away from the home. You don’t want a home inspector to note that the firewood may be conducive to termites for fire ants during an inspection.

Increasing the Perceived Value of the Interior of Your Home

Buyers want to get the most home for their money. Space is important. They want a lot of room and a warm inviting atmosphere. Before you put your home on the market, you should prepare the inside of your home to show at its best. Rent a storage unit. Place all unused and unnecessary items in it. Your primary objective is to clean and de-clutter every room in your home. Although many peoples home are a mess, they expect neatness in a home they intend to buy. Here are some things as needed to improve the interior of your home.

·         Only keep furniture in your home that is necessary to continue living there. Remove everything else and put it in storage. This will make your home appear much larger and roomier.

·         Put all your unused clothing in storage. If you want to make your closet appear larger, get a closet organizer and use it as directed. This will give your closet the appearance of much more room. This is very important in the master bedroom closet.

·         Open your window coverings to let in as much light as possible. Light increases the perceived size of a room.

·         The kitchen is one of the most important rooms in the home. Remove all appliances from the countertops. Get rid of all clutter. Organize your cabinets and drawers. Use organizers as needed to increase the room in your cabinets. Put all items you are not using into storage. Potential buyers will open your drawers and cabinets. You want them to see as much room as possible.

·         Clean and polish your appliances. Put new metal rings around the stove burners. Take the artwork, calendars, etc off of the refrigerator.

·         Clean your bathrooms and remove all personal items. Put up your best towels. Repair or replace all bathroom fixtures if necessary. Your bathroom should appear spotless.

·         Clean your floor coverings. Wax your hardwood. Shampoo your carpets. Clean tile grout with bleach.

·         Remove all dust and dead bugs from under your refrigerator and window sills.

·         Prune any inside plants.

·         Take down personal pictures, posters or artwork from the walls, especially in teen bedrooms.

·         Put away or store all extra toys.

·         Clean, fold and put away all laundry. Don’t leave anything lying on the washer, dryer or floor.

By following just a few of these suggestions, you can significantly increase the value of your home for little or no cost. If two homes are similar, the one that shows better will sell quicker and for more money…. every time!