Spring is just around the corner and that means prime time for the real estate market will be here soon. As April approaches, people all across America are fixing up their homes and getting them ready to be put on the market. It also means that home-buyer hopefuls will soon be searching for open houses to visit.
A picture is worth a thousand words when it comes to buying and selling homes. With so many options, potential buyers need to be dazzled at first sight – literally. As buyers visit websites and book visits for their potential dream home, sellers have approximately three seconds to grab their attention and reel them in for a visit. So make your photos count!
If you want to put your home on the market and get top dollar, here are a few key home renovations you can do to make your home more attractive to potential buyers.
Think about curb appeal
People can spot a bad front yard from down the street and if you’re trying to sell your home, you don’t want to stick out like a sore thumb. The outside of your home is the first thing potential buyers and real estate agents see when they come to visit your home so you really want to make it pop.
MSN says to think about your curb appeal. You want your home to be welcoming and warm so potential buyers can picture themselves moving in. Cleaning up the yard, adding flowers to create a colorful landscape and splashing a fresh coat of paint or stain on your front door can set your home apart from the competition.
Freshen the walls
A fresh coat of paint can go a long way. “It’s the clean factor” says Marti Thompson, a Realtor® with Brian Weast Real Estate Group-Keller Williams. “If the house looks clean, buyers are more likely to think that the house has been kept in good shape and will pay top dollar for it.”
You don’t have to go crazy with designer paint. Just adding a fresh coat of paint will cover up scuffs and dings and make everything feel just a little nicer.
Make the floors shine
When potential home-buyers walk through your front door, the floors are probably the first thing they see. Wear and tear over the years can take a toll on their appearance.
Replacing the floors can make your home feel new says Reader’s Digest. “Installing tile is a great way to update the look of your home. Stone tiles such as slate, flagstone or marble is elegant but pricey. These days, ceramic and porcelain lookalikes will do the job at a fraction of the cost.”
Change up your kitchen
Many real estate agents will tell you that the kitchen is usually a major selling point for potential buyers. Countertops can be the centerpiece of your kitchen, especially if there’s an island that stands apart from the other countertops and cabinets. If you can afford to spend money on the kitchen, consider replacing the countertops.
Cabinets that are outdated or worn can make potential buyers wary of the work they could have to do. Using a primer and paint, or sanding and staining cabinets is an economical way to have your cabinets looking brand new and give your kitchen a whole new look without any messy (and costly) demolition.
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