Sellers always want to know how they can get more money for their property without breaking the bank.
There are quite a few things someone can affordably do to increase the value of their property without spending a lot of money. Surprisingly I have found that buyers cannot see the potential of a place due to clutter and relatively easy repairs. I’ve also noticed if a home is not fully update but still pleasing to the eye Buyers will like a property.
When a buyer falls in love with a home it’s emotional. Many of them cannot exactly point out why they like a place but they know that it feels and looks good. Despite a home not being fancy or really up to date. I enjoy guiding sellers to where they should put their time and energy into their homes. I’ve saved many people from unnecessary spent time and money.
I have also found out that advice can be subjective and vary even from one real estate agent to another. That is why it’s important to work with a real estate agent who is familiar with homes. Not only on how they function but what buyers want, interior design, cost of repair and remodel.
Here are my suggestions:
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Declutter
My favorite low cost home improvement is to declutter! This is the cheapest and most effective thing someone can do. Larger pieces of furniture are usually fine however counter tops should be clear and all spaces should be visible. Having personal belongings makes such a difference. People want to be able to see what’s around and view every corner of a room and imagine their items in the home. Larger furniture items are great for staging. Like couches, beds, chairs, side tables.
An over cluttered space can be very over stimulating. If you are thinking about selling start slowly selling and giving things away.
My favorite place to go for de-cluttering motivation when it gets tough is the Minimal Mom.
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Cleaning & Power Washing
Exterior power washing on the home and driveway can make such a difference. Especially if the home is dusty or mildew. If your property is on Kauai I’m certain there is either dust or mildew.
I also recommend cleaning the interior of a home prior to listing on the market.
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Addressing Red Flags
Buyers get freaked out easily even if problems are not what they seem to be. For example a hole in the ceiling that may have been due to hanging up a decoration improperly rather than water damage. Even if the wall was due to water damage and the roof was patched it has to be disclosed . However buyers wont be as freaked out if the repairs are properly repaired.
Other red flag may include peeling paint, appliances making noises, mold/mildew, holes in the wall/ceiling, droppings of any kind even if its ants, discoloration on walls/ceiling.
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Addressing paint.
Peeling paint is a must do and goes along with #3. Plus many appraisers may flag peeling paint on a buyers appraisal. If deciding to paint over older wooden walls I heavily advise against it. Wood and warmth are coming back into style. Many buyers like the look of untouched walls and it’s impossible to un-paint a wall. Colored walls – When it comes to different homes in a room being painted different colors. If an interior wall color is really intentional and works with the space it is okay. But if it’s a random room painted yellow, blue, pink etc. then I highly recommend painting it white or off white.
Paint is probably one of the most low cost home improvements someone can make on their own. However it does take some time and effort.
Here is an article with some recommendations by Better Homes & Gardens.
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Small Yet Functional Low Cost Repairs
- Repairing things like a broken screens, a leaking faucet, a missing cabinet door hinge. These are very important yet often overlooked. People like a functioning move in ready home. Many people stress about a home not being updated. However I say do not worry about tile being outdated. That is a big ticket item to replace. A home being very functional is more important. Unless the tile is at the point of non-functionality like there are cracks etc.
