Comas Montgomery

Whether you’re buying a home, selling a home or just own a home everyone wants to know how to add value to the place they live. And of course they do. So why not try to spruce up the place in a few areas that will help offset the fact that you’ve lived in it.

The one thing people always think is that to add value to your home, you have to pump money into costly renovation projects. This is just not true. Here are a few easy ways to make your house more appealing to buyers without breaking the bank.

Keep Things Clean

Everyone knows that before they put their house on the market they’ve got to clean it, but some things can’t be covered up with a call to Stanley Steamer and a little scrubbing. I’m talking about years of neglect, such as cleaning baseboards, toilets, sinks and stoves. Those are all things a future home buyer will look at when they try and see how you’ve maintained the home. It’s like going to a consignment store, if the clothes have been taken care of you’re more likely to spend a little extra on them. So make sure you pay attention to the everyday up keep.

Turn on Lights

A well lit house seems friendly and more welcoming. So before you have an open house or showing make sure to turn on the lamps and open the blinds.

Smelling Nice is Underrated

Would you buy a home that smelled bad? Maybe you would, but probably not. The look and feel of your house is important, but so is the first impression and nothing makes a first impression like the aroma in your home. You’ve heard that baking cookies right before an open house attracts buyers, but having a house that smells clean is just as good. You want people to feel comfortable in your home and if it smells bad chances are they won’t.

Eliminate Clutter

This is important for three reasons. The first is because clutter implies that you aren’t organized, which can sometimes be turned into not taking care of your things. You want people to think you take pride in your home’s appearance so eliminate extra chairs, pictures and knickknacks. The second reason is because people like the idea of purchasing a house and then moving right in. If you have things in every nook of the house it will make them think you’ll take a long time to move out, thus making your property less appealing. The last reason is because it makes the place look smaller than it actually is. More furniture and pictures close in the space.

Curb Appeal is Important

The first thing potential buyers will see is the outside of your home. Uncut grass, dirty siding or countless yard decorations will give them a bad first impression. Renting a pressure washer or adding another coat of paint to the front door is an inexpensive way to spruce up the outside. Also keep your grass mowed and avoid hard decorations. Planting seasonal flowers and adding mulch or straw to the beds will also make for a good first impression.

Making your home more appealing to potential buyer and to yourself doesn’t have to cost tons of money. These are inexpensive ways that make a big difference whether your home is on the market or you’re just having friends over.