Quick Financial Tips for Staging Your Home for Sale
Getting a home ready for sale doesn't necessarily require a hefty renovation budget. Here are some affordable upgrades and tips to help you sell your house quickly and efficiently, based on advice from industry experts.
## Quick and Affordable Upgrades
1. **Repaint the Front Door**: A fresh coat of paint can significantly enhance curb appeal and make a great first impression.
2. **Update Hardware in Kitchen and Bathroom**: Replacing outdated knobs and faucets with modern ones can give these areas a fresh look without breaking the bank.
3. **Upgrade Lighting**: Installing new light fixtures or adding layered lighting can brighten up rooms and make them more inviting.
4. **Repaint Cabinets**: Giving your kitchen a facelift by repainting the cabinets instead of replacing them is a budget-friendly way to update the look.
5. **Add Some Greenery**: Planting colorful flowers or placing potted plants around the entrance can create a welcoming atmosphere.
## Additional Tips
- Highlight any energy-efficient features you have, such as Energy Star windows, as these are highly sought after by buyers. - If possible, add some exterior lighting to highlight your home’s exterior and improve safety and security. - Consider low-cost renovations like replacing outdated faucets or adding new decorative elements.
## What Not to Fix When Selling
Avoid investing in major electrical overhauls or replacing state-of-the-art appliances, as these may not add significant value to your home. Instead, focus on cosmetic improvements that boost visual appeal and curb appeal.
- A coat of paint, new blinds, carpet, and a new benchtop in an old kitchen can improve a home's value. - Cherie Barber, founder of Renovating for Profit, suggests refreshing dated tiles with tile paint for a budget-friendly update. - Replace old fittings and fixtures, such as taps, door handles, and cabinetry handles, for a significant visual impact. - Hiring a professional painter for high spots such as gutters and eaves minimizes the risk of accidents. - Assess the condition of the deck before sanding or painting, and choose a color that ties in with the home's exterior palette if the timber is in good condition. - Give existing grassed areas a good dose of lawn food for a top-rate appearance during real-estate photos and open inspections. - Tidy up the garden through pruning, general maintenance, and using established plants to round out the exterior look. - Mismatched boundary fences can be made less noticeable by spray-painting them the same color. - Choose handles and tapware that are timeless and fingerprint-resistant, with satin chrome being a recommended option. - Wait at least two months before selling to lay new turf to give the turf sufficient time to grow in. - Treat existing grassed areas with lawn food and adequate watering before selling to improve their appearance. - Replacing small mirrors with one large mirror can reflect more natural light and help make a space feel open and airy. - Ensure fittings and finishes are in keeping with the home's architectural style to maintain design cohesion. - Applying primer before tile paint is essential for it to stick properly. - Use mulch or wood chips to make garden beds look more presentable at a low cost. - Use a high-pressure water gun to clean concrete and paved driveways, porches, and verandas to rejuvenate their appearance.
Leigh Hall, director of First National Real Estate & Partners Dandenong, advises against overcapitalizing when preparing a home for sale. Instead, focus on budget-friendly improvements that can make a big impact on your home's sale price.
Improve your home's lifestyle appeal by implementing budget-friendly upgrades such as repainting the front door, updating kitchen and bathroom hardware, upgrading lighting, repainting cabinets, and adding some greenery. Furthermore, consider focusing on cosmetic improvements like refreshing dated tiles with tile paint and replacing old fittings and fixtures for a significant visual impact.
