What 10 Things Do You Need to Do to Get Your House Ready for Sale?

Article by:

Tein Hlwa

If you’re thinking of selling your home in Virginia or any area within the state any time soon, you should know it’s a lot more involved than plunking down a for-sale sign on the front lawn.

There are many things and steps you need to think about or do before putting your home on the market.

From making sure it has a strong curb appeal to fixing things up by adding a new paint job in the kitchen or installing new cupboards that might need an update, yes, it’s time for a remodel; one that can give you a real bang for your buck when you’re ready to sell.

To help increase the sale of your home, here are a few home improvement ideas that might give you the biggest return on your investment when you decide it's time to move.

So, get your paintbrushes ready, your ladder out of the garage and your gardener’s gloves on, it’s time to get your house in tip-top shape.

Quick, Cheap, Kitchen Remodel

  1. Realtors will be the first to tell you that kitchens and baths are what always sell a home. With that said, bear in mind an outdated kitchen can do the exact opposite. However, there are ways to make yours updated and more pleasing without spending a lot of money for a complete overhaul.

First, replace basic black appliances with shiny new Stainless-Steel versions and take out the laminate countertops and replace them with luxurious granite. As for affordable replacement appliances, look for discounted ones at an outlet or local appliance store that may have a backroom where units with slight dings, dents, and scrapes are more affordable.

  1. Also, refinish or repaint faded, or dull cabinetry and add updated hardware including new hinges and drawer pulls, which can instantly transform the appearance of any outdated kitchen fast. Go for colors and styles that are likely to appeal to a wide range of homebuyers and will catch their attention. Possibly making them feel as if entered their dream kitchen.

Upgrade Bathrooms

  1. Most buyers see themselves relaxing in an upgraded, sleek, and beautiful bathroom, so why not give them one? Basic upgrades always begin with removing old pastel, and ceramic tiles for more modern white subway-style ceramic or tiles in a neutral hue. You can't go wrong if you stay with basic colors versus some weird, outlandish one.

How about the sink? You may not need to replace an old pedestal sink, but instead, change out the former faucet — upgrade it from nickel-plated brass to a shiny chrome — and add fluffy new towels and other nice accents and accessories to the bathroom overall.

  1. Another easy upgrade is to change out shower tiles; choose a new color to enhance rather than clash. Opt for colors and styles that are universally appealing to all buyers. Make sure the bathroom is sparkling clean from ceiling to floor and do remove yellowed grout and toothpaste blobs in the sink before potential buyers enter the home for a showing.
  2. Choose Neutral Paint Colors

Always choose whites and neutrals so potential buyers envision themselves in the space. Don’t go bold, choose lighter earth tones as they look great with hardwood floors, and white easily brightens any bathroom. If your bathrooms include mixed wood surfaces (floors, doors, and cabinets), select a neutral color, you can’t go wrong.

  1. Fab Flooring

Like paint, flooring can change the overall ambiance of any of your rooms. Hardwood is always appealing to a wide range of buyers, as are high-quality laminate options, and eco-friendly bamboo and cork choices, which are the newest and latest crazes in home décor. If you already have decent flooring like hardwood under carpeting, show them off. On the other side, if your floors are a mess, scratched, dull, faded, or simply seen better days, this can turn buyers off immediately. So, if you’re not a DIY person, go with a pro and have them give you some cost-effective ways to update the flooring in your home without breaking your wallet. Explain to them you are selling and just want to update the flooring, so it appears better and more appealing than what is currently in the home.

Remember kitchens and baths with tile or laminate flooring are visually appealing and easy to clean and potential buyers will appreciate this. Of course, carpeting is fine in bedrooms, especially if it’s plush, in good condition, and a neutral color. There are still some folks out there who do like carpeting in the upper level of a home like in bedrooms, kids' rooms, and guest rooms. Many people find carpets to be warmer and more inviting than hardwood flooring.

  1. Increase Curb Appeal

Once you’ve tackled the interior remodel, it's time to address the home’s exterior. If buyers don’t like what they see when they first arrive, they may not get out of the car to look any further.

So, to make the outside look more attractive to potential buyers, do make sure walkways are clear, landscaping is well maintained, and in general everything is in good repair. You don’t want to leave weeds, dead plants, ugly trees, and dropping flowers in flower beds for new buyers to see. Remove them and if you don’t have time hire a neighborhood teenager to do it for you.

  1. Outside renovations may require more work such as repainting or replacing siding, fixing loose shutters, and sealing ugly cracks in the driveway.
  2. Renovating the outside may also be as simple as mowing the lawn, raking the leaves, and planting a few colorful flowers in pots near the front door or in the backyard flower beds to give some overall pizzazz.
  3. Lastly, add one or two final touches, like a new welcome mat, new or repainted mailbox, updated house numbers, and an outdoor seating area with bright lights.

With these tips, your home will seem more inviting, and you may get an offer sooner than anticipated!