5 quick, easy fixes when selling your home

The first impression your home makes is one of the most important factors in selling it for the right price.

When the space appeals to buyers from the moment they walk in or see photos online, they begin to form an emotional connection. They can see themselves living in the home and start thinking seriously about making an offer.

What can be tricky is finding the most cost-effective ways to make your home stand out. You don’t want to overcapitalise and eat into your profits, so you need to be strategic in what you focus on.

With that in mind, here are five suggestions for quick, inexpensive fixes to boost your home’s appeal and value prior to selling.

1. A fresh coat of paint

Painting dirty walls and tired facades is always a cost-effective way to give your home a facelift. Choose a light, neutral colour to appeal to a wide pool of buyers and make your rooms look larger.

2. Give some attention to your garden

Mulch your garden beds and add a few pot plants around the front door for some welcome colour. A few healthy, potted house plants also look great inside, and you can take all of your pots with you when you go. Look for succulent bowls for tables and larger plants, such as a ficus or fiddle leaf fig, for your living room.

Giving driveways and paths a pressure wash is also worth the effort, as is giving your roof some attention. We have a list of reliable tradespeople we can share with you to help you organise this work.

3. Kitchen and bathroom repairs and upgrades

Kitchens and bathrooms sell houses, so if yours is looking a little outdated or tired, focus your attention here. Apart from the bargain-hunters, most people prefer a home they can move into and enjoy straight away. Having an appealing kitchen and bathroom sends the message that the home has been well cared for and will encourage buyers to put in a strong offer.

Give your kitchen a good clean, declutter your cupboards, and think about regrouting tiles and even replacing a tired benchtop. Repairing your cabinet doors and replacing tapware will also make a big difference.

In the bathroom, you don’t have to do a full renovation, but you could think about regrouting tiles, and replacing your toilet, vanity or tapware if they need it – and remember, we are always happy to advise sellers on what is and isn’t worth the effort and expense. At the very least, a spotlessly clean bathroom with a new shower curtain and fresh white towels will make a great first impression.

4. Consider your flooring

Day-to-day wear and tear on your floors will be noticeable to people who come to your home for the first time. New carpet or updated flooring isn’t always necessary but can make a difference in some cases – again, we are always happy to advise and suggest changes here that will appeal to buyers.

5. Clean the windows

People may not notice clean windows but they will notice dirty ones. Blinds and curtains should also be cleaned, and you can get this ticked off well in advance of your open homes.

Start early and get in touch with us if you’d like some advice

Thinking of selling your home in the new year? Please get in touch with us about preparing your home for sale, as all the work you do here can make a huge difference to your final sales price. We know what is and isn’t worth doing when selling, and we are always happy to advise.