Did you know home buyers usually decide if they are interested within the first eight seconds of seeing your home? By making a few improvements before you sell it, you can increase the number of potential buyers who engage with your FSBO real estate right up front. Here are some ideas for adding value without breaking the bank.
Redo kitchen cabinets and counters
Renovating and remodeling kitchens can bring a high return on investment. If you don’t have the budget to renovate the whole kitchen, you can add significant value just by focusing on cabinets and counters. Resurfaced wooden cabinets can add significant value. You might also consider fresh paint, such as eye catching “tuxedo” cabinets, which are those in a light color, such as white, on the top row of cabinets and a dark color, such as black on the bottom row. Installing quartz or granite counters, which typically can be done for under $10,000, also will add value.
Make bathroom improvements
You don’t have to remodel your bathroom to add value to your home. Small changes such as replacing frosted glass with clear, cleaning the grout and applying fresh caulking, and replacing faucets can add value. Replacing an old toilet with a low-flush toilet also can make a difference. Repainting your bathroom can help as well. While neutral colors in general typically add more value, blue is the top color for maximizing value in bathrooms.
Add insulation
Adding insulation in key areas, such as the attic, will also increase the value of your home because it will mean lower energy bills for the new buyer.
Focus on lighting
Making your house look brighter inside and out can also add value when selling your home. Recessed lighting in the living room, halls, and kitchen, for example, can make a room brighter for the cost of $150 to $250 per light. Sun tubes, also known as tubular skylights, funnel natural light into the room. Under-counter lights, which could be adhesive-backed LED lights, also brighten up a kitchen. Outdoor lighting also can boost value because it turns the yard into an entertainment space. Even simple things, such as cleaning your windows and raising the shades, will help let the light in.
Go green
Improving energy savings is another key to attracting buyers. One way to incorporate energy savings is through new, more efficient appliances. Another way is through the installation of new heating and cooling systems, including a solar-powered water heater. Green tax credits can help alleviate the cost of some of these energy-saving upgrades.
Always get rid of clutter
You already know that your stuff is a turn off to potential buyers. They want to be able to envision their own stuff in your home, so pack up your personal items before photographing or showing the home. Minimalism is a key with today’s buyers. This can be accomplished through furnishings with clean designs and limited patterns and organized, clutter-free garages and closets. Consider installing a pot and pan rack in the kitchen to limit clutter there, as well.
Do a quick and cheap refresh
Even if you don’t have a big budget for your renovation, a quick refresh on many areas of your home can encourage more buyer interest. Examples of areas that might need refreshing are:
- Dust and polish hardware and light fixtures
- Clean and freshen window treatments
- Carpets newer than five years old likely can be professionally cleaned and appear new. Older ones might need replacing, especially in high-traffic areas. Buyers also are attracted by easy-to-clean floors such as hardwood and tile. Polish the hardwood floors and apply grout cleaner or regrout tile where needed. For an investment of about $750 in floors, you can increase your home’s value by up to $2,000, brokers say.
- Yard. Light landscaping updates such as mulching and adding a few colorful plants can help.
- Doors. An outdated or dinged garage door can be a turn off for buyers; on the other hand, an updated garage door makes the front of your home look newer. Likewise, new doors, especially steel entry doors, can give your home a sleek appearance.
For Sale by Owner Virginia Helps You Get More Money for your Home
Selling your home yourself For Sale by Owner (FSBO) can increase the money you receive from the sale because you aren’t paying a real estate agent to sell your home. In fact, those who sell their home themselves typically save between $8,250 and $16,500 over those who use an agent. With gotofsbo.com, MLS listing packages are available that list your Virginia, Maryland or DC home on dozens of real estate listings sites, reaching thousands of potential home buyers. In addition to your MLS listing, get access to market analysis (“comps”) to help you price your home, a yard sign, brochure box, lockbox and help in negotiating with potential buyers and closing the sale of your home. Start adding value to your home today and include FSBO as a smart choice to save thousands of dollars when you sell.
