By: Sara E. Teller

Best Updates To Sell Your Home Quickly

You’re ready to make a move – to a new home, that is. Everything’s in order. Your bags are packed, the paperwork is signed, you have a move in date. There’s only one problem. You can’t put your current place on the market until you make a few updates to sell your home. Time is of the essence, and you’re wondering what you can do right now that’s quick and easy, relatively inexpensive, and makes the most sense.

Interior Home Updates

When it comes to making updates to sell your home, there are three interior areas potential buyers will focus the most attention on – the kitchen, bathrooms, and bedrooms. And there’s certain elements in each of these spaces that are sure to stand out more than others. For some quick and easy fixes, it’s best to invest in these features to make the spaces pop.

Consider installing some new hardware for an instant cabinetry facelift in the kitchen or adding a fresh coat of paint throughout. It may seem all too bland, but you’ll need to select a neutral color when updating your home to sell or even opt for a basic white so buyers can envision their own finishes while perusing room to room.

Picking up a few quick and easy accents for each area, such as an eye-catching rug, table runner, or desk plant, could make all the difference, filling in that missing piece buyers would otherwise be searching for during their visit. It can help to have someone over for a second opinion about what might be missing or need to be updated before listing.

If you have the finances and are wondering where to allocate your funds, it’s best to invest in those features that buyers are more apt to sign on the bottom line for, such as new appliances, upgraded countertops and hardwood flooring. These will instantly enliven your home, bringing it up-to-date and making it look like a newer build.

Hoping for a free fix or two instead? Take a lamp out of storage and position it on a bathroom counter or peel back the drapes and let in some natural light. Extra illumination will instantly make a space look more appealing.

The interior should also appear easy to navigate. Make sure to declutter and reorganize any items piling up in corners so buyers can easily move about without having to step over or around something in the way.

What To Update On The Exterior

When it comes to the exterior of the home, first and foremost, it’s all about proper curb appeal. If you’re trying to sell in the spring or summer when the weather is nice, add some greenery or a few plants with a pop of color. Mow the lawn and trim the bushes and any out-of-control tree limbs. Remove sticks from the yard and build-up from the gutters.

It’s important to once-over the exterior, looking for any quick and easy cosmetic fixes or repairs that are worth taking on before the ‘for sale’ sign is in the yard. Take care of any safety issues, such as loose bricks in steps, broken railings, or sharp edges. If it’s snowy outside, shovel and salt the drive and any walkways. You don’t want to run the risk of having anyone get hurt during a viewing.

For an inexpensive, far-reaching fix, you might consider pressure washing the siding to eliminate dirt and debris, allowing the original façade to shine through. Or, you may decide to add a fresh coat of paint, if needed. Even if, at first glance, it looks like the color is in great shape, adding a fresh layer really can work wonders.

No funds or time to totally transform the outside? Consider adding a coat of paint to the front door, especially one that is bright and cheery. This will offer a unique touch, making your home look warm and welcoming. You can also tack on some quick and easy finishing touches, such as a wreath or ‘welcome’ sign, a door mat, or other accents seated on your front porch.

Jim Shaffer and Associates - Best Updates To Sell Your Home Quickly - brightly painted yellow front door of residential house

A delightfully painted yellow front door brings fast and inexpensive charm to a home

Should You Invest in Smart Home Features?

There are many smart home features available these days, from doorbells and thermostats, to lighting and appliances, and just about everything in between. Deciding if you should invest in any before you can seem a bit confusing. And, even if you determine you’ll install a smart home feature or two to give your space a leg up in the market, you may be wondering which would be best for buyers.

When it comes to prepping your property, you’ll want to stick with those the basics buyers are willing to pay for – security, safety, and cost-savings. The latest reports show the best investments are allocated to smoke detectors, thermostats, and home security systems. If you’re asking yourself, ‘Should I invest in the Nest?’ Now, that’s a tough one. It offers everything all in one but will set you back a couple thousand dollars. It really comes down to how important it is to you to offer a tech option to buyers, and where you want to focus your funds when your getting ready to sell.

Keep in mind, while reports do show buyers are more willing to pay for smart homes, the features they’re looking for do vary. It can be difficult to nail down just the right add-ons for a surefire sale. Of course, you can always take a look at would-be comps in the area to determine what gadgets have been installed and see how yours stacks up.

When it comes to updates to sell your home, you’ll want to focus on those items most important to buyers while also having a solid understanding of the amount of time and money you’re able to spend before you stick a ‘for sale’ sign in the yard. There are some inexpensive fixes that can go a long way and some more involved updates, requiring an upfront investment that’s likely to pay off in the long run. Come up with a quick plan to hear ‘SOLD!’ and get into your new place in no time flat!