If you’re reading this blog, you’re most likely on the fence on upgrading to a new home or investing in property. You may have some questions. The market has been on fire in the past year, one perfect for sellers looking to make a profit. Buyers are more informed than ever, but they want to ensure they’re able to take advantage of good rates and speedy closing times. Our team has seen an explosion in the NSB area for home sales and we proudly help get buyers AND sellers the results they need to start the next chapter of their real estate adventure.
Putting your home on the market and hoping for the best is not the way to take advantage of eager buyers. There are some main factors that could get the perfect home transaction in muddy waters. We’ve outlined them below!
Kitchen
Kitchens are by far one of the most desirable parts of a home. It is an investment to ensure the space is beautifully decorated with expensive appliances that entice the best buyers. Kitchens bring families together, so it is important to understand by investing in a kitchen renovation if yours isn’t up to snuff may be what is needed before it goes to list. The days of small kitchens being able to slink by are over unless they are upgraded to current standards — so make sure you follow our checklist on keeping your kitchen modern:
- Ensure all appliances are upgraded within the past 5 years: Buyers love smart devices and they love high-end devices. Within the past 5 years, kitchen appliances offer an assortment of things to make life easier like app monitoring, stainless steel finishes, and more customization options. Investing in an upgraded kitchen set could add 10K+ to your listing price.
- Remove old lighting fixtures: By upgrading your lighting fixtures to something unique, you’re making a design centerpiece. Warm lighting helps set the mood and adds ambiance. We suggest removing puck lighting and finding a beautiful hanging fixture!
- Say bye, bye countertops and cabinets: Countertops and cabinets are one of the first things buyers look for in kitchens. If they look like they are from 2000, you may lose out on some sale opportunities. Out of all of our options, this may be the thing you should truly invest into before listing. Adding some cabinet handles and a backsplash behind boring countertops just isn’t going to cut it anymore.
Landscaping
When the time comes to take pictures and list, first impressions are everything. Exterior is just as important as interior design and ensuring you hire skilled landscapers will give your home the coveted curb appeal you may want. Many potential buyers will skim the Internet during their house-hunting and make an informed choice before even contacting you. Photos of landscaping can be CRUCIAL in attracting buyers to click the next photo of the interior of the house.
Landscaping is more than just planting flowers or throwing pebbles down. By hiring a professional to give your front yard some TLC, you’re making your home look welcoming. We suggest calling around to get a quote about 2-3 months prior to your listing deadline.
The Little Things
It’s funny to think that small things can have huge impact. Buyers are ready to move now and making sure your home is move-in ready is key here. We can suggest you renovate your kitchen, renovate your backyard, change out your toilets, and all these huge undertaking… but the small things can’t be neglected either. Here are some things you may want to consider that are budget friendly and free!
- Change your old outlet and switches: By upgrading your old outlet covers, you may give your home a more modern feel. Toggle-switches are a dying trend, try thinking of soft touch lighting. Outlets that may be 20+ years old could also use a facelift, even if they aren’t damaged. Note their colors by laying a piece of paper next to it. If they seem “yellow”, it’s time for an upgrade.
- Keeping your windows pretty: It sounds like it’s common sense, but a good deep clean to windows can make your house look good from the inside out. A high-shine finish will leave your windows looking like it’s sparkling. If you have mesh window coverings, inspect each window to ensure there are no holes.
- Check that molding: Molding can collect dust and on white molding, that is especially obvious. Take the time to run through your home with a duster and a wet rag.
- Door handles: Upgrading the equipment for doors could be a simple way to add style. Your front door says a lot about your home, so an old rusting door knob could detour the beauty of your space. Home Depot and Lowes have affordable options for interior doors, try to keep all of them the same!
When you’re getting ready to put your home on the market, you want to do everything possible to get the most value out of your home. By updating a couple of key components, buyers will perceive your house as having a higher value. Our team is skilled in guiding you down the home selling path and are available to help you get the best bang for your buck. Contact our team at NSB Homes and we can walk you through the next steps!