Whether you're selling your home because you're moving on to greener pastures or because you have to, you want to get the best selling price possible. You may think this not possible due to limited funds. Fortunately, there are some fairly quick and inexpensive things you can do to improve your home and increase its value prior to putting it on the market.
1. Replace worn fixtures. This includes things like sconces, doorknobs, cabinet pulls and light switches. If it looks worse for wear, replace it. Most fixtures are easy to replace yourself, so you don't have to shell out a lot of money on labor.
2. Paint everything that needs it. You no doubt are already thinking about painting the exterior of your home, but don't forget things like kitchen cabinets and bathroom walls. You want to make your home look bright, cheery and inviting, and several coats of inexpensive paint can accomplish that without breaking the bank. Paint every area that looks dirty or dingy.
3. Manicure your landscape. Mow your lawn, trim your hedges and clean up yard debris. The surroundings of your home are the first thing people are going to see. If your landscaping looks uncared for, potential buyers are going to assume the same of your home. Clean things up, and make a good first impression.
4. Add a backsplash to your kitchen, or replace your existing one. You can instantly brighten up a kitchen with a pop of color, and a kitchen backsplash is an attractive option for any home to have, as it protects the wall from water. If you are industrious, you can do this yourself, but it may be better to hire a professional for the job.
5. Storage is a big plus for any home, so consider adding some storage options to yours. Install additional shelves and cabinets and maybe even a shed in the backyard. These newly installed virtues can be extolled along with your home's other attributes to cinch a sale.
6. Add ambiance through lighting. Solar stakes on your front lawn are a very inexpensive and attractive way to light your walkway. Improve the lighting in any room of your home simply by replacing existing light bulbs that produce softer, more flattering light.
7. Stage your home for sale. The most important things to do here are de-clutter and de-personalize the space. Potential buyers want to imagine themselves in your home and that will be hard to do if you have a lot of clutter and personal items strewn about. They should be free to imagine their trophies and pictures on the mantel, which will be hard to do with yours present.
8. Clean your driveway. Whiten and brighten a heavily trafficked driveway by power-washing it. Like your landscape, your driveway is among the items that will form that first impression. It needs to be as clean as you can get it.
Put some time and thought into improving your home before you sell it, and you'll get the best possible price. By using the tips in the article above, you'll be in a great position to make that quick and profitable sale you desire.