Improvements To Make Before Selling A House

When preparing to sell your home, try to step back and view it through a buyer’s eyes. Detach emotionally and look at it as a product for sale. Ask a friend or neighbor to walk through your interior and yard, and encourage honest feedback on anything that might stand out negatively.

It’s not always necessary to spend a lot to prepare your home for sale. Many properties benefit from simple editing, decluttering, and a few minor upgrades that create a clean, well-cared-for appearance.

Painting Is One Of The Best Returns On Investment

A fresh, high-quality paint job is one of the best ways to boost your property’s value and make a lasting first impression. Professional interior and exterior painting instantly enhances curb appeal and helps your property stand out in the market. In this article, we focus on additional home improvements to prepare your house for sale. For expert painting advice and the key areas of your house to paint, visit our guide: Does Painting a House Increase Resale Value?

Clean And Update Your Exterior And Boost Your Curb Appeal

Exterior Cleaning

• Power wash sidewalks and driveways, or reseal if needed
• Make sure decking, patios and outdoor furniture is clean
• Clean the house exterior, including the windows and screens and pay special attention to the entry area
• Have a place where garbage bins can be stored neatly and make sure they don’t have an overwhelming smell
• Remove clutter and any unsightly items from your property
• Make sure there are no critter or insect infestations

Landscape And Curb Appeal

• Refresh bark mulch and tidy up garden areas, rake up leaves
• Add a splash of colour with flowering plants or shrubs
• Trim or shape overgrown shrubs and plants 
• Green up your lawn and keep it mowed and weed-free
• Demoss your roof

Updates And Repairs

• Place a welcoming door mat, or entry planter
• If there’s room, place an exterior bench or attractive set of chairs near the entry
• Consider a new stylish entry door handle set
• Make sure your gutters are intact and not dripping
• Replace damaged window screens
• Check that gates are functioning properly
• Repair damaged or missing fence pieces
• Replace tired house numbers with stylish, visible ones.
• Replace dated or weathered light fixtures
• Fix dripping exterior taps
• Have your irrigation system in working order
• Tighten up any loose handrails or deck railing
• Ensure the overhead garage door functions well

Create A Bright Inviting Interior That Feels Move In Ready

Deep Clean, Organize And De-Clutter

• Clean and dust thoroughly — get into every nook, and corner.
• Make bathrooms sparkle – clean and scrub every surface
• Maximize light – clean windows, remove heavy drapes that block light and rely on blinds instead, make sure all light bulbs are working
• De-clutter countertops and shelving – edit knick knacks
• Organize things that must be left out into attractive baskets
• Clean and organize your garage — ideally park vehicles inside.
• De-clutter your closets and cabinets so they look spacious and organized
• If need be consider storing some items temporarily with friends and family or rent a storage unit
• Eliminate pet smells or other odours you may have become nose blind to, ask someone else if they notice any unpleasant odours
• Wash all bedding so it has a fresh smell
• Have carpets professionally cleaned
• Tidy tv and electronic wires and make sure artwork is hanging straight
• Do some depersonalization – if you have a lot of family photos and memorabilia pack some of it away

Repairs and Updates

• Repair small damages like holes, scuffs or cracked trim
• Take care leaky faucets, squeaky doors or lose hardware
• Do cosmetic upgrades to key spaces like kitchens and bathrooms
• Re-caulk tubs and sinks, replace unsightly grout or try a grout restoring product
• Replace outdated wall switches and outlets and light fixtures
• Update old and tarnished door knobs and hinges
• Swap out old cabinet hardware with new pulls or knobs
• Replace dated light fixtures
• Make sure heating and electrical systems are in order
• Ensure windows and blinds are functioning property

Household closets are commonly cramped with clothing and other items. A good rule of thumb is to remove 50 percent of the belongings. Don’t try to de-clutter your house by cramming items into cupboards and closets. This can have a negative effect. Buyers are curious – they will open doors need to feel like there is ample room for storage.