Room-by-Room Upgrades to Speed Up Your House Sale

Bathrooms

 Often, bathrooms are the first features home buyers look at. These are multi-purpose spaces that offer specific functions, ideally while offering a pleasant, soothing aesthetic. The closer you can bring your bathroom to “haven” status, the more likely buyers are to fall for the space.

One great way to upgrade a bathroom is to have it retiled. This will give the space a fresh, clean look and can move you away from outdated tiles, which make the space look older than you want it to. However, keep in mind that you only want to invest enough to push the sale forward, and you should always keep budget in mind when making these changes. Ceramic tile generally costs a little less to install than porcelain, although it’s also less durable. Consider the price of your project and don’t cut any corners that will ding you on inspections.

Kitchen

 A spacious, well-designed kitchen is a huge selling point. Unless you’re willing to do full build-out renovations, you’re probably limited by the space and layout of your kitchen. However, that doesn’t mean you can’t give it low-cost upgrades to help it catch buyers’ eyes. For example, cabinetry is often a great aspect to update in a kitchen. A fresh coat of paint and new hardware can do wonders for giving your kitchen that special something. Be careful here, however. Some cabinets don’t hold paint very well, and your efforts could peel off in front of your eyes if not prepared correctly. And professional refinishing can cost you thousands of dollars. A thorough cleaning and hardware change are often sufficient. 

Bedrooms

 There are several ways you can make your bedrooms appealing for potential buyers, but a great upgrade that’s sure to catch attention: new windows. If you live in an old house with leaky windows, a windy day makes the poor seal impossible to hide. New windows, however, don’t just look great; they’ll also help you sell by lowering the costs the buyer needs to expect in heating and cooling. Look for windows that are both well sealed and have some level of heat or UV blocking built into the glass. These features will give buyers the confidence that they can keep the house comfortable in extreme weather without spending a ton of money.

Entryway

Finally, the entry into your home is one of the most important elements of making a sale. It’s the first thing buyers see when they come in — and the last place they’ll consider as they leave. As such, it’s vital to make it as appealing as possible. One great way to do this is through the use of potted plants. Whether they’re outside beside the doorway or on a surface in the front hall, plants give a home life and energy. They make the space feel fresh and comfortable and will help buyers feel like they’re in a place where they can thrive. However, don’t go with anything you can’t keep alive yourself — a wilting plant will give the opposite impression. You’ll also want to pay attention to things like the condition of the roof and whether or not you have paint flaking off the soffit and fascia. 

Bottomline: Repair Or Negotiate?

Before you go all out making repairs, you should know that many buyers are willing to negotiate. Often, a slightly lower selling price or money held in escrow for repairs that you have estimates for is enough to ensure a sale goes through. Something else to consider is the price of comparable properties. Ask your realtor to pull a comp sheet so that you can compare apples to apples. The last thing you want is to over-upgrade your home so that it is the most expensive in the neighborhood.

With these little upgrades, you can help make your house as appealing and inviting to would-be buyers as possible. By getting potentially interested parties through the door, you’re sure to find the perfect match for your home. But remember, not every little thing has to be fixed, and you may be better off focusing on the repairs that really matter. Trying to do it all may cost you more than you are ready to spend on a home you are leaving.

Dedicated realtor Michelle Hsu can help you sell your home quickly and for the right price. Call (615) 243-8487 or send a message to get in touch!