Selling the House: Home Improvements to Increase Its Appeal and Price
- Curb appeal
- Flooring and paint
- Kitchen
- Bathroom
- Energy efficiency and smart home upgrades
- Depersonalization
You’ve made it through the arduous task of property division and creating a divorce settlement agreement. Now, you’re getting ready to put your primary residence on the housing market. Here are six points to ponder as you prepare your place for prospective buyers.
Curb appeal
When it comes to selling your house, first impressions matter. Think of your home's exterior as its handshake to potential buyers. You want it to be firm, confident, and inviting.
Curb appeal is the attractiveness of your property from the street view. It's what makes prospective buyers slow their car as they pass by, look twice, and think, "I could see myself living here." With a bit of attention to detail and some elbow grease, you can significantly enhance your home's curb appeal and, hence, its market value.
Consider landscaping, for instance. A well-manicured lawn, vibrant flower beds, and trimmed hedges can transform your property into a buyer's dream. Simple actions such as removing weeds, raking leaves, and regular mowing can make a world of difference.
Next up, exterior painting. A fresh coat of paint can breathe new life into a tired-looking house. Stick to neutral colors that appeal to the masses, and touch up any chipped or peeling areas on your doors and window frames.
Flooring and paint
Small changes can make a big difference. Let's talk about two powerful tools in your home improvement arsenal: flooring and paint.
Worn-out carpets or scratched hardwood tell a tale of years gone by, and not in a charming, vintage way. Consider investing in new flooring. Laminate or vinyl options can provide a modern, stylish look without breaking the bank. A fresh, clean floor speaks volumes about how well the house has been maintained, making it a compelling selling point.
And nothing revives a room quite like a fresh coat of paint. It's a cost-effective way to dramatically transform your space. Opt for neutral tones: whites, greys, and beiges appeal to a broad audience and allow potential buyers to envision their own decor in the space.
Kitchen updates
The kitchen is where meals and memories are made. But when it comes to selling your house, it's also the prime steak on your property menu. So, start with appliances. They're like the kitchen's jewelry: shiny, functional, and instantly eye-catching. If your current ones look like they've been through the culinary wars, consider updating them. You don't need top-of-the-line models; many affordable options look sleek and perform wonderfully. New appliances not only add aesthetic appeal but also signal modernity and convenience to potential buyers.
If your cabinets are showing their age, a simple paint job could be just the facelift they need. This is an easy DIY project that can dramatically change the appearance of your kitchen. Stick with light, neutral colors to create a fresh and spacious feel.
Bathroom updates
Often overlooked, bathrooms are hidden gems that can pack a punch when it comes to increasing the value (and sale price) of your home.
A modern, sleek vanity can instantly elevate the look of your bathroom. It's a focal point that says "chic and functional" without costing an arm and a leg. Choose a neutral color scheme that complements the rest of your decor for a seamless blend.
Tired-looking tiles with dirty or crumbling grout can be a turnoff. Redoing the grout is a cost-effective way to make your tiles pop and your bathroom shine. It's like teeth whitening for your bathroom – subtle but effective.
Finally, a fresh coat of paint can transform your bathroom from "blah" to "spa". Opt for light, airy colors to create an illusion of space and serenity.
Energy efficiency and smart home upgrades
In today's real estate market, energy efficiency and smart home upgrades aren't just nice-to-haves; they're need-to-haves. They're the secret sauce that can transform your house from 'for sale' to 'sold'.
First, focus on energy efficiency. It's not just about saving the planet; it's about saving money, too. And who doesn't love the sound of that? Consider better insulation or upgraded windows. They keep the cold out, the warmth in, and those pesky energy bills down. Plus, they whisper (or shout) to potential buyers, "This home is modern, eco-friendly, and cost-efficient!"
Next, think about smart home upgrades. We're talking about smart thermostats, security systems, and more. These aren't just gadgets; they're lifestyle enhancers. A smart thermostat isn't just about temperature control; it's about coming home to a warm house on a cold day without wasting energy (and money) heating it all day. A security system isn't just about safety; it's about peace of mind, knowing your home is protected 24/7.
These upgrades aren't about spending big bucks on fancy tech. They're about strategic investments that add value and appeal to your home, making it stand out in a crowded market.
Depersonalization
Start with decluttering. Those knick-knacks from your trip to Greece and your collection of antique teapots might be dear to you, but to potential buyers, they're distractions. Pack them away. Let the features of your home take center stage.
Next, consider staging. Professional stagers know how to arrange furniture and decor to maximize space and showcase your home's best features. They turn your house into a model home that is neutral yet inviting, stylish yet functional.
Depersonalizing your home doesn't mean making it soulless. It means making it a welcoming space where potential buyers can envision their own lives unfolding.
Whether you’re considering divorce, in the middle of a divorce, or on the other side, we understand that selling the family home can be an emotional trial. The above are all suggested projects that you could take on to make your home more appealing. At the same time, we know you may be feeling overwhelmed and exhausted to think that much about your house during divorce.
Do the best you can. Collaborate with your home’s co-owner if you can. Find a real estate agent with a good eye who can recommend specific changes for your digs … an agent who has experience selling the homes of divorcing couples is a plus.
At Hello Divorce, we want to see you succeed. To that end, we point you in the direction of resources that may also help you on your sales journey, including a free consultation with our divorce real estate strategist.
The following resources may also help:
