If you are about to put your home on the
market, you will want to maximize the price you can get for it. There are some
fairly simple things you can do to increase your home's value, and others that
require some cash outlay. The money spent should be regarded as an investment
that adds value to your home. It also helps to find a willing buyer in a
shorter time frame.
1. Replace or repair damaged
guttering
You don't have to have a premium
gutter system on your house, but it will be hard to attract
buyers if your system is broken. If there are sections of your guttering
missing, or the guttering is coming away from the wall, repair or replace it.
Fix any holes or other damage in the guttering. Deal with any stains, mold or
water marks caused by overflowing gutters.
2. Clean your yard
It can be tempting to neglect your yard
when you are planning to move away. However, it is worth the effort to keep it
in as good a shape as possible. You are trying to
impress would-be buyers, so help them imagine themselves relaxing in a neat,
well-kept yard.
3. Make your home look bigger
You may not be able to add any physical
space to your home, but you can almost certainly free up some of the space
you've already got. Once you sell, you will have to pack up everything. You can
help your cause by starting this process before putting your home on the market.
Putting bulky furniture in storage frees up lots of room. Get rid of household
clutter to make even more space.
4. Carry out repairs
Fix any visible damaged areas. It is a
mistake to think that potential buyers will disregard them. They may not be enough
to put people off making an offer, but they will give buyers an excuse for
making a lower offer.
5. Depersonalize
You need to let buyers imagine themselves
living in your home. If you have too many personal items on display, it is
harder for people to do that. Replace family photos with neutral prints. Paint
walls in neutral colors.
6. Make your home light and airy
Subtle use of lighting can really enhance
your home's appearance for very little expenditure. Use air fresheners to get
rid of lingering odors. Do not cook for at least two hours before a viewing.