Are you fed up with living in a cramped home? If you feel like you’re stepping on your partners feet or tripping over your children’s toys more than usual (now that you’re working from home and staying indoors most of the time) -- you’re not alone. Many people like you have bit the bullet and taken a leap of faith by moving into a more spacious home, usually outside of the city. The thought has probably run through your mind, but there’s some important things to consider before putting your house on the market. Here's a few tips to get you started.
Don’t Overspend
You might get discouraged when thinking about everything that needs to be done to your house to make it more attractive to buyers. But the biggest mistake that sellers make is overspending on repairs and renovations that don’t give you a return on your investment and that might not even suit your potential buyers tastes. So, the good news is - focus on small repairs and renovations that won’t cost an arm and a leg, but that still enhance your home’s attractiveness.
Improve Your Kitchen
Real estate agents repeatedly state that buyers pay attention to kitchens and bathrooms, so put more time and energy into improving those two areas. But keep in mind to not spend more than you need to - it’s preferable to focus on smaller renovations, like painting the cabinets or putting in a new sink. Getting new countertops might not be a bad idea, however, choose a simple style that matches your kitchen’s style and your home’s price point. Keep in mind that your potential buyer might not share your taste, therefore it’s best to go for something that is neutral and on the cheaper end. You want to spruce up your kitchen without overdoing it.
Make Your Bathroom Appealing
The second most important area of the house is the bathroom. Focus on what a potential buyer sees when they enter your bathrooms. In other words, ask yourself what stands out in your bathroom and improve it. Perhaps it’s the hardware or the floor or maybe the wall colour. Choose small upgrades that you can do yourself. Return on investments for bathrooms are estimated between 60%-70%. It may be helpful to speak with a real estate agent to get a better idea of what you should focus on, as you want to be on par with the average home in your neighborhood.
Keep it Clean and Simple
Don’t underestimate the power of cleanliness. Paint, cleaning products and a good scrubber can go a long way in making your home look fresh and welcoming. To improve curbside appeal, plant a little flower garden, get your hedge trimmed and keep your lawn and driveway neat. You want to make a good impression on potential buyers even before they enter the house. Cleanliness is also gaining more ground with the pandemic; there’s a re-focus on sanitation as the key to curbing the spread of infection. This is influencing home design and architecture, as mudrooms and foyers are becoming more desirable, so if you have either one of these - fix them up because they could become valuable features that make your home stand out from the competition. To increase the value of your home, opt for energy efficient appliances for your kitchen. Not only can they increase your home's selling point --especially if you live in a condo, but they also add practicality by saving water, electricity which is good for the environment-- and your pocket book. Check your local retailer to find the most suitable appliances.