Renovations and upgrades can definitely add value to your home and allow you to sell your house for more. Most of us, though, can’t really afford to go all in for, say, a major kitchen remodel – but you don’t have. There are plenty of things you can do that are easier and cost far less, especially if you have some time DIY skills. Check out these 6 easy upgrades to help you sell your house for money in Port-Elizabeth.
1. Paint the Interior Walls
One of the best and fairly easy things you can do to sell your house for money in Port-Elizabeth is simply to paint the walls.
“Painting is the lowest-cost improvement with the highest rate of return, so it’s not surprising that 36% of home sellers choose to do it.” Painting the interior walls in a neutral color will not only give the house a facelift, but will provide that needed blank-canvass effect to allow buyers to envision your house as their home.
As to cost, “Professional painting of the interior of an entire 2,500 square foot house can be anywhere from R5,000-R10,000 depending on the market.” But painting is something you can easily do yourself and at far less cost.
2. Do Some Minor Landscaping
Another upgrade that will help you sell your house for money is landscaping. And it doesn’t really have to be extensive or expensive, but it will do a lot to help create that critical first impression.
“The outside of your house is a buyer’s first impression when they pull up. A patchy or overgrown yard can be a major turn-off. Anything that’s dead should be removed, and anything that’s overgrown should be cut back. You can make sure the lawn is refreshed and green by re-sodding or planting grass seed, and you may want to do edging to help define spaces. Also, fresh mulch or straw in any beds is a must. A few newly planted shrubs and perennials tucked in for good measure will make your house feel much more finished and inviting.”
Professional landscaping can be fairly costly, ranging from R7500 to R15,000. But as with painting, landscaping is an upgrade most people can do on their own. It just takes a little time and elbow grease. And in some cases, it can be as easy as cleaning up, mowing and edging, and planting some annual flowers.
3. Spruce Up the Kitchen and Bathroom(s)
Ask any agent, and you’ll quickly discover that the two most important rooms in a house, from a buyer’s perspective, are the kitchen and the bathroom. So anything you can do to spruce up the kitchen and bathroom(s) will help you sell your house for more.
“A house is made of many rooms, but most [agents] will tell you that the two that people see first and remember most, the two that sell more homes than any other rooms, are the bathroom and the kitchen. So if you’re looking to sell now, make sure that these two rooms get a little extra care and attention.”
And it doesn’t have to be a major renovation or full-blown remodel of these rooms. Even relatively minor upgrades like new fixtures can make a big difference. To discover more about easy but effective kitchen and bathroom upgrades, contact Port-Elizabeth agent at 0823283345.
4. Replace Outdated Window Treatments
Replacing outdated window treatment can also help you sell your house for money in Port-Elizabeth.
“Dreary draperies, torn window shades, or bent mini-blinds will do nothing to sell a home faster.” Replace this with, for example, now white mini-blinds or made-to-fit wood blinds – an easy upgrade that can be done in little time.
5. Replace Flooring
Not quite as easy and more costly, but replacing old flooring (especially carpet) can definitely help you sell your house for more. In fact, “[r]eplacing carpet or repairing flooring is an improvement that 26% of homeowners make.”
Here’s what industry pros recommend with respect to flooring: “If you’ve got lots of rooms with many types of flooring, you might want to bite the bullet and invest in new flooring for all, to create a seamless feel throughout the house. Wood floors, or even faux-wood floors, are preferable to carpeting even though those options can be more costly . . . If, however, you can’t afford to upgrade to wood, new carpeting is still a major selling point. And just like with painting walls, a good neutral color is best.”
6. Update Fixtures
A truly easy upgrade to sell your house is simply replacing old fixtures.
“Switch plates, outlet covers, curtain rods, light fixtures, and doorknobs are often boring or overlooked, but you can add significant pizzazz for just a few dollars. Attractive metal switch plates and outlet covers can cost as little as R250 a piece but look much more expensive. Light fixtures and decorative curtain rods can be a little pricier . . . Again . . . be sure to choose items in colors and finishes that will appeal to a broad audience.”
Discover More Ways to Sell Your House for More
These are just a few of the easy upgrades that can help you sell for more. But there are many more things you can do, and a lot of it depends on what will work best in the local market – what buyers want and expect. Your Port-Elizabeth can provide the guidance you need in appealing to buyers in your area. So when you’re ready to sell your house and before you begin making upgrades, be sure to contact us today at 0823283345.