How to Drastically Increase the Value of Your Home Before Listing

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In this topsy-turvy housing market, clients are always asking, “How can we get top dollar for our home in such a competitive market?” The short answer is – do the work. Case in point: a 3,500 square-foot home without any improvements sold for $1,136,762. Yet that same home with moderate improvements (landscaping and minor staging) can sell for $1,276,616. Even better, with a full slate of improvements including painting the whole house and hiring a staging company, the price goes up to $1,437,000. That’s a 20% increase.

If you truly want your home to stand out among the rest, there are several key areas to improve before it goes up for sale.

Let’s start with the outside. You only get one shot at a first impression, so it is essential to focus on curb appeal. The inside of your home may have high-end appliances and exquisite woodwork, but if your house isn’t appealing from the outside, you could severely reduce the number of people who will want to step foot inside. Keep in mind that a huge aspect of curb appeal is the landscaping, which needs to look well maintained. Even one decaying shrub can make a browser keep on driving.

The same goes for the exterior of your home. Whether you have siding, brick, or painted shingles, the key here is cleanliness. No matter how old the material, a quick power-washing session can take years off, along with plenty of grime, pollen, and dirt. Similarly, consider your windows. Take the time and elbow grease to clean them inside and outside for an inviting look.

Once you’ve got potential buyers in the door, it’s imperative to impress them with the interior. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve heard an audible gasp from a client upon entering a house that looked beautiful from the outside but had a lackluster interior. However, there are a few easy ways to spruce up the inside of your home.

Home buyers want to envision themselves living in the home, so it goes without saying that wallpaper should be removed. Not only can it be a deterrent based on looks, but a buyer is also seeing dollar signs in terms of another project they need to take on if they purchase the home. When it comes to paint, stick to neutral colors; it allows people to view the rooms in terms of their purpose and utility as opposed to defining them by their color.

Let’s talk upgrades. It’s unrealistic to say you’re going to completely overhaul your home before listing, nor is it cost-effective. But picking and choosing a few items in each room to give a little makeover can go a long way in increasing the value of your home. A major area to consider is your kitchen/dining space because it sees the most wear and tear and it’s where people spend the most time. You can upgrade cabinetry, hardware, lighting, even appliances without breaking the bank. The same goes for bathrooms – another major selling point. A few simple upgrades like updating lighting can make a world of difference.

For a fresh look that’s consistent throughout the home, never underestimate the power of staging. Start by decluttering your living space by limiting items that are on shelves and tables, giving a minimalistic look that highlights potential. You can also rearrange your furniture in a way that maximizes space. For example, remove pieces from a room that are not vital, like an extra sitting chair or end table. Also, make sure there is a clear traffic flow from room to room to create a spacious and welcoming environment.

If you want to get the most out of your house sale, it’s important to have the right listing agent. Maryanne Elsaesser and the Home Navigators Team have the fortitude and knowledge to get you the absolute most value from your sale.

About Maryanne Elsaesser

Maryanne Elsaesser is known for individualized strategic planning and solving complex matters with calmness. Her clients say she is a "brilliant negotiator," tenacious, helpful, smart, creative, focused and has an amazing ability to read people. Consistent hard work puts Maryanne in the top 1% of brokers in the country. Maryanne is well-versed in contractual elements and understands the intricacies of navigating the most profitable net gain in each transaction. She can be reached at 551.206.9264 or maryanne.elsaesser@gmail.com.

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