If you are considering putting your home on the market and moving to a bigger and better house, chances are, you may have to spruce up your home a bit. While the last thing you may want to do is to complete some home improvements during the moving process, a little elbow grease can go a long way to finding the right buyer for your home. Here are some easy fixes to make before you contact your real estate agent.
Invest in a new garage door.
With the real estate market being so tight lately, you’ll want to do anything you can to invest in the curb appeal of your home. You only have one chance to make a good first impression, so take a good look at the facade of your home to see what you can change and/or update. A garage door is an exceptionally important addition to both aesthetics and functionality. A home’s garage door takes up the majority of its facade, so you’ll want to work with a professional to install a new garage door and garage door opener as it will entice potential buyers even more. In order to find a professional garage door installer, Google keywords such as “Garage Doors Oregon” to find options near you.
Fix your carpets, walls, and moldings.
It is the little details in your home that will convince a seller to buy, so you’ll want to fix and update any problems you may have with your carpets, walls, and moldings. While yes, the carpets can easily be changed by the new owner, it’s important for potential buyers to envision themselves in the home when they see it, so you’ll want to have the home as move-in ready as you can. This also goes for your crown moldings and the paint on your walls, so if anything is chipped, scuffed, or dented, use this time to make a complete repair. And once you remove the furniture from your home, consider giving the walls a fresh coat of paint. A neutral color can help to brighten up tired walls and will save the new owner any hassle when they move in.
Winterize your home.
Not only will a potential buyer be interested in the beauty of the home, but they will also want to ensure the home is secure and structurally sound. In the process of winterizing your home, you’ll look at the pipes, the insulation, make sure your furnace is clean and in working order, and check your foundation for any cracks. Additionally, you’ll want to check if your water heater is leaking, if your dehumidifier is in good shape, and if applicable, your air conditioner unit is in tip-top shape.
One important part of the home buying process is to have a professional come in and complete a home inspection. A home inspection details the condition of the house and lets potential buyers know if there are any problems that need to be fixed in order to be safe. A home inspection typically will make or break a potential buyer’s offer, so if you fix all the problems in your home before it’s inspected, you’re more likely to have a smoother buying process.
Make electrical fixes and upgrades.
Everything is easier to get to when the rooms are empty, so take this time to make electrical fixes and upgrades to outlets, lighting fixtures, and ceiling fans. Consider also creating more outlets, and even a programmable thermostat to make your home stand out just a little bit more during the open house.
Make sure to finish these four easy updates before you put your home on the market, and it will be scooped up before you know it!