Home Improvements

5 Easy Home Improvements that are Musts When Selling Your Home

If you’re thinking of putting your home on the market, there’s a good chance you have a list of projects to complete beforehand. Home improvements can make your home more desirable, and many can even increase its value. Here are five things you should add to your list to ensure your home sells quickly – and for an outstanding price, too.

#1 – Roofing Repairs & Updates

When a buyer arrives on your property, one of the first things he or she will want to see is the roof. After all, a solid roof protects the home, so if yours is in disrepair, this can be a red flag for potential buyers. Before you put your home on the market, check for things like loose or missing shingles, gutter damage, discoloration, and debris resembling gravel in the gutters or drains. This indicates significant wear and it means that you may need to consider roof replacement before you sell.

#2 – Landscaping

Most homeowners tend to focus their attention indoors when it comes to pre-sale projects, but if your home lacks curb appeal, potential buyers may just keep driving. Be sure that you take the time to clean up outdoors and remove any debris, branches, or leaves on the ground. Remove weeds and old plants that do not improve your home’s appearance and consider planting new ones – especially flowers that can add a pop of color and create a focal point. Finally, remember to seed and fertilize the lawn, and trim trees that may appear overgrown.

#3 – Flooring

Today’s buyers are quite particular about their flooring, so if yours lacks appeal, it’s a good idea to make a few changes. These days, most buyers will prefer the look of natural wood or tile over carpeting, which tends to retain odors and stains. Consider replacing carpets with tile or wood and be sure to check existing tile and wood for things like chips, scratches, gouges, and discoloration. Though you may be able to repair the flooring in some areas, it may be more beneficial to simply replace the flooring altogether.

#4 – Painting and Wall Touch-Ups

A fresh coat of paint can go a long way toward helping you sell your home, but there are a few things to keep in mind. Though bold colors are fantastic ways to express yourself, most of the time, it’s best to repaint in more neutral colors so that potential buyers can form their own visions. Though you might find a bright red kitchen wall to be modern and chic, potential buyers may find it too bold. Be sure to fix any scratches, nail holes, or other damaged areas as you paint, and work on the living room, kitchen, and bathroom first since these will the rooms displayed the most.

#5 – Updated Fixtures

Last, but most certainly not least, updating fixtures in your kitchen and bathroom can go a long way toward making your home look more appealing. By simply switching out an old shower head and bathtub faucet for something newer and more modern, you can generate more interest in your home. Pay attention to other details, too, such as outlet covers and switches, cabinet handles and drawer pulls, and even light fixtures. All of these can bring a room together, and along with fresh paint, make it far more attractive.

These five home improvement projects are imperative to your ability to sell your home quickly and for a great price. Though some may be time-consuming, and a few may be expensive, remember that you can recoup your investment in new roofing or flooring by including it in the sale price. The goal is to make your home as appealing as possible to potential buyers, and these five tasks represent the best ways to do just that.