Thinking of selling your home? May is a great time to jump into the real estate market. To make sure your home is in top form, there are several ‘small ticket’ items you should begin working on now.
- If you start now, you have time to spruce up a tired bathroom. Rather than doing a whole-scale remodeling, consider replacing the tile in your shower or installing a new vanity.
- Is your kitchen looking a little drab? You may be able to paint those cabinets rather than replace them. Add new hardware that follows today’s trends, and consider replacing the countertop to add that newness glimmer.
- Paint your walls and ceilings! A fresh coat of paint, in a neutral tone, can make your home sparkle like new.
- Pay attention to the front entrance to make it as inviting as possible. Make sure that the rug is clean, install a hall table and a lamp with a nice mirror or piece of art above, and add a vase of fresh flowers to convey the “welcome home” buyers want.
- If you’re selling a single-family home, take a look outside. Replace the front door or paint it a neutral color. Power-wash the porch, install a new doormat and fill a planter with cheerful spring flowers. And if your home has siding, get out the hose and wash away that winter grey.
- Put away the personal items and make yourself scarce during showings. Buyers want to be able to envision themselves living there, so avoid greeting them with the daily clutter of a busy life, or your kids running circles around the kitchen island.
Mary Feldman, a Chicago real estate agent with Baird & Warner, featured this topic recently in her newsletter: “Small Upgrades Now Mean Big Returns Later.” Mary notes that, “Investing approximately one to three percent of the asking price into your home initially often yields returns of around eight to ten percent.”
Starting now will make sure your home is ready for viewing, so that you can get top dollar. If the process seems overwhelming, Bon Brise Design stands ready to help.
