Getting a new house and moving can be very exciting, but it’s also a lot of work. One of the most challenging parts is ensuring you get maximum value from your current home when it sells.
With everything else going on, you might be tempted to simply leave the property as-is and accept what you can get. Don’t do it! The truth is that there are some very simple DIY projects that can improve your home’s value.
When you can put in a little bit of work and get a strong financial return, you’ll be far better off. Let’s look at what projects will give you the most bang for your buck.
Decluttering
You have your collection of elephant figurines in a cabinet in the front room, where you and your guests can easily admire them. Or perhaps your son has his baseball trophies lining the wall of his bedroom.
That’s perfectly appropriate when you live there, but if you’re getting ready to move, you’ll need to take those things down and put them away. It’s important for the people walking through your house to be able to see themselves living there — not you living there.
When you have your own belongings, knick-knacks, and personal mementos filling the home, it can be very off-putting to potential buyers. That means the first thing you can do is the easiest — declutter your personal belongings!
Deep Clean the Property
This goes along with decluttering. It’s essential that you have a clean home if you want maximum value for it. In the same way that having a car detailed can bring in over $1,000 more on the sale price, having a home deep cleaned can increase your property value to a buyer by thousands of dollars.
Of course, you probably do routine cleaning on a weekly or biweekly basis. But to improve your home’s value, it’s time to rent a carpet shampooer, move furniture, and more. Whatever you can do to make your home look absolutely spotless will be well worth the effort when it comes time to sell.
Best of all, it will also reduce your stress and improve your mental health in the meantime!
Improve the Curb Appeal
The first thing potential homebuyers see when they come to view your home is the yard. If your front yard is inviting, bright, and colorful, it will make a huge difference in their overall attitudes toward the property.
You can start by replacing any rusted or old hardware, including the mailbox, house number, and porch light. These elements should work together, rather than looking mixed and matched.
Then, work on the front door. You can repaint it very inexpensively, and it’s best to pick a bold color that coordinates with the rest of your home. You might even consider putting in a new front door if your current one is old or damaged.
Next, clean and power wash the driveway, walkways, and anything else that looks dirty. Be sure you don’t damage your paint or siding, however. Start with the least powerful setting to avoid tearing up surfaces.
Finally, plant some brightly colored flowers or put out some potted plants. Trim shrubs and make sure the lawn is cut and attractive. Mulch around trees and consider a stone border to bring a sense of style. You can even install window boxes with beautiful plants on the front of your home.
Paint Indoor Walls
As the current resident of the home, you probably have it decorated according to your own personal style. There’s nothing wrong with that, but when it comes time to move, you’ll want to create a more neutral feeling indoors without making things boring.
One of the best ways to do that while also taking care of scuffs and faded wallpaper, is to paint the inside walls. You’ll want to create a palette that makes sense throughout the house and holds things together. Neutral colors are great, but boring is not. Consider using decor to create splashes of color in a non-permanent way.
A fresh coat of paint can make a home look brand new in no time, with very little investment.
Update Fixtures and Hardware
As a DIYer, you want to avoid any significant updates that might require special licensing, permits, or other costly demands. That doesn’t mean you can’t improve the appearance of your home, though.
One of the best ways to freshen up the entire space is to update your light-switch covers, outlet covers, and doorknobs. You can even update light fixtures as long as you’re not doing any new wiring.
New fixtures and hardware do a surprisingly good job of making a home look luxurious for only a few dollars.
Understand Long-Term Bills
Knowing how much it costs to live in your home is an important part of positioning it to sell. When you can tell a new buyer what the property taxes, insurance, and utilities are likely to be, it can help solidify their interest in your home.
To get this information, take a look at your average bills over the last year. Don’t be shy about trying to get better prices, either — Freeway Insurance reviews are excellent and you can call them to compare homeowner’s insurance quotes.
Being able to tell homebuyers that your property is not only affordable to purchase but affordable to live in is a great way to increase interest and get a better offer on your home.
Give Your Kitchen Some Pizazz
We saved the most important room for last. You probably don’t have the time or budget to do a full kitchen renovation, but there’s no doubt that the kitchen is one of the most important factors in buying a home.
What can you do as an easy DIY to jazz up your kitchen? Consider repainting your kitchen cabinets, which can make them feel brand new without a significant expense. You can also replace the cabinet hardware, drawer pulls, and kitchen faucet to give the space an entirely new look.
Get the Best Price for Your Home
Getting the right price for your home doesn’t have to cost you thousands of dollars. With these simple upgrades, you can improve your home’s value in a single weekend.
There’s no reason not to take on these easy DIY projects. Which one will you do first?
