Looking to Sell Your Home? Finish These Home Improvement Projects First

by Lena and Rich Benenati 05/30/2021


Photo by Tima Miroshnichenko from Pexels

Initially, it may seem like backwards logic to complete a few home improvement projects before selling your home. Most people want to renovate their home in order to enjoy it for themselves. However, there are several low-cost projects that you may want to consider before your listing your home, as these improvements could help increase the value and appeal of your property.

These are a few home improvement projects that you should complete before you put your home on the market:

Upgrade the Landscaping

When a buyer drives up to your home before their showing, your front yard is the first thing they will see. First impressions are critical when your home is on the market so upgrading your landscaping is important. A few things that you can do to your landscaping before your list your home are:

  • Remove all weeds from the landscaping.
  • Purchase fresh flowers and plants to decorate the yard.
  • Add new landscaping trim to complete the look.
  • Refresh the mulch or rock beds in your yard.

Add a Fresh Coat of Paint

When you are living in your home, you have the freedom to paint your walls any color that you choose. While you may love a banana yellow kitchen or a deep red bedroom, it's possible that prospective home buyers may be turned off by the colors you have selected. Before you list your home, buy a few cans of paint and give each room a fresh look. Neutral colors are ideal when you are listing your home, as this allows buyers to envision their own ideas for the house.

Replace Old or Worn Carpet

Worn down carpet can be a detraction to home buyers who are interested in your home and they may see it as an expense that they don't want to take on immediately after purchasing a new property. Prior to listing your home you should replace your old carpet or invest in wood floors for your home. Fresh flooring will give your home new life and will increase interest in your home.

Refresh the Bathroom or Kitchen

Many people who are in the market for a new home are looking for properties that have valuable updates such as new bathrooms or kitchens. These can be costly remodel projects, but if you are hoping to put your home on the market you can do an affordable refresh to make your home more presentable. You can consider:

  • Painting the room a light color to make it look larger.
  • Painting or staining the cabinets to achieve a more modern look.
  • Replacing mirrors, lights and hardware to coordinate with the rest of your home.
  • Investing in affordable new appliances, if necessary.

While you may have to front some of the costs initially in order to complete these home improvement projects before your house goes on the market, you will reap the rewards once your house sells. Most of these home improvement projects will increase the value of your home and you may be able to list it for a higher price than you would have if you had not completed the work in advance.

About the Author
Author

Lena and Rich Benenati

Lena and I have been helping our clients buy and sell real estate since 2002, marking over 26 years of combined market experience! We will earn your trust by utilizing proven marketing strategies, certified professional negotiating skills, and targeted technology. Add to this our local market insight and consistent follow up, and it adds up to a great experience for you! A family owned and operated business, we strive to be your trusted adviser, helping you navigate the home buying and selling processes. It is our mission to combine our extensive experience and superior customer service together with a positive attitude to ensure that you enjoy your buying or selling experience. Our customer service extends beyond the sale, providing you with useful information regularly and connecting you with the resources you need, when you need them. This is why an exceptionally high 80% of our business is referred to us by our past clients. We look forward to exceeding your expectations, in English or Spanish as you desire. Lena & Rich, a team you can trust, for everything real estate.