A home is the single largest investment that most people make. When you decide to sell your home, you will likely want to get the highest possible price for it. Getting your house in the best possible shape before putting it on the market will increase buyer interest and help you get more money for it.
One of the most cost-effective things you can do to help get top dollar for your home is to keep it neat and clean. Pressure washing the outside of the home and cleaning the windows will make it look better to the casual observer and they just might be interested enough to take a closer look.
Keeping the lawn and hedges neatly trimmed makes a world of difference in the perceived value of your home. If you have a flower garden, keeping it in good condition also makes your home look nicer. But if you don’t already have one, it’s probably not worth the trouble to start one. Potential buyers who are not gardeners may be put off by the added maintenance.
On the inside, washing down the walls can make a bigger difference than you might imagine. You would be surprised how much dirt accumulates there. You might also want to shampoo the carpets and wax any hard flooring surfaces. Furniture needs to be clean and in good repair. If you haven’t laundered your curtains in a while, now would be a good time to do so.
Other than these extra measures, stepping up your routine house cleaning is a good idea. The house will need to be in good shape for showings. You might have several of these before finding a buyer, so doing your best to keep things looking neat and clean is in order.
If you’re a do-it-yourselfer, there are probably some projects you can undertake to increase the value of your home. If the carpet is looking shabby, you could replace it. Hardwood floors are popular, so you might even consider installing them instead. Drab walls can be painted or covered with new wallpaper.
Decks can increase the value of a home substantially. If you already have one, you might consider sprucing it up, making it larger, or extending the roof to cover it. If you don’t, adding a small one could be well worth the time and effort.
Any improvements you’ve added previously should be in the best possible condition. If you have outbuildings, cleaning them up and making any needed repairs will make them even more of an asset. Pools should be cleaned and maintained regularly for the best possible appearance. Even garages and carports may be in need of some extra attention.
Getting the most money possible out of your home will require some work on your part, but the payoff can be great. It will usually substantially outweigh any money you spend, especially if you can do everything yourself.