(Guest Post by Ray Flynn from DIY Guys)
Home selling can be a time and labor-intensive process, even when you’re well prepared for all that goes into it. There are a few steps you can take to speed things up, however, and they’re not necessarily budget-busters. By making small updates and looking around your home to see what kinds of repairs need to be done, you can both make your house more appealing and ensure a faster sale process. Sometimes, even the smallest changes can make a big difference. You can also make your own home buying process smoother by considering a custom build from R-Value Homes, which will take your needs into consideration while streamlining the job. Take these steps when you’re ready to boost your home’s appeal without spending a lot of money:
Make small outdoor fixes
The outside of your home takes a beating throughout the year from the elements, so it’s a good idea to check the siding, doorknobs and handles, windows, and gutters to look for damage or weak spots. If you can get to these maintenance issues before they become repaired, you can save quite a bit of money. There are several resources you can use to help with a cracked window, so do some research online to find the right service for your needs and make sure the company you choose is licensed and insured. You can also take this time to read customer reviews to find out more about how they handle jobs. Search for “casement window repair near me” to find a pro in your area, and keep in mind that while the average cost to repair a window is about $290, that will change depending on the size and severity of the crack.
Add some color
Once you’ve made a few repairs, look for areas that could use a little attention. Flowers and fresh coats of paint are two easy updates that will add a burst of color to the front of your home and draw in potential buyers, so freshen up the front door, mailbox, and porch. You can also take a look at the existing landscaping and pull up any dead shrubs or weeds, water the lawn, and clean up the mulch. If you have flowers in pots, ensure that the pots themselves are in good shape, or swap them out for a more colorful version. Because these are the first things a potential buyer will see, it’s important to spruce them up as much as possible. If you’re willing to do a little extra work, you might even consider the benefits of painting the entire house.
Update the lighting
When it comes to small things that make a big impact on the exterior of your home, lighting is right up there. Porch lights, carriage lamps, solar lights, and floodlights are some of the most common options, not only for aesthetic purposes but also for some added security. If you already have some of these installed, make sure the fixtures are in good shape and that the bulbs are new; energy-efficient ones have advantages for home sellers. If not, take a look online for some upgrades. These days, there are lots of budget-friendly options that you can install quickly and easily yourself.
Clean up
Finally, one of the easiest changes you can make to the exterior of your home is a nice deep clean. Look into renting a power washer for the siding, walk, and driveway, wash the windows, take down the shutters and scrub them, carefully sweep out the gutters, and declutter the front porch. Sweep up any fallen leaves as well so that buyers can truly see the lawn. Think about season-specific tasks that need to be done and take care of them now so you won’t have any nasty surprises while the house is on the market.
Getting your house ready to sell can take some time, but these projects are worth it in the long run. Set a budget and do your research before making any commitments to ensure you get the right service or product for your needs.
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