This topsy turvy economy has everyone looking for ways to be a little more conscious of what they are spending and on what. So when it comes to selling your home and wanting to increase the value or overall appeal of the home, then many sellers are looking to do this fast and cheaply.

Luckily there are a few key areas of a home that buyers usually get an initial opinion from and there are some inexpensive ways in which to make them stand out.
The first of these key areas is the outside of the home. Does the home have “curb appeal”, meaning does the home look inviting and homely from the outside? We have all heard the saying, “Don’t judge a book by its cover”, well we also know that everyone does it and with almost everything and especially your home. No matter how sweet and delightful the inside may be, the outside will either turn a potential buyer on or off within the first 3 seconds.

So how can you prep your home for buyer showings? First keeping the lawn well cared for and groomed. Maybe take some initiative and plant some grass or add sod in places that are showing signs of drying. Removing all toys and yard tools from sight is a must. Planting fresh flowers and shrubs can make a big difference. Maintaining the bark mulch and corners will add to the overall look of the lawn. Keeping landscaping free from weeds and overgrowth is a must. Another relatively cheap thing that can be done is to wash the house. Depending on the materials you can have your home get a quick facelift with a good pressure washing. Removing the leaves and junk from the gutters is another smart move.

Another location in the home that shouts initial opinions is the kitchen. Now granted these tips may be more than your budget allows but some tips can be easily done and relatively cheaply. The first being you may want to consider is getting rid of that old wallpaper. Wallpaper has a time and place and if it is dated your home will turn off some younger home buyers. Consider using a light colored paint and lighten up the room and add the illusion of more space. If you have some dated appliances in the home, consider replacing them. You can also cheaply update the faucets if necessary. If your budget allows for it consider giving the cabinets a makeover as well.

The bathroom is also another hot button area of the house most buyers are eager to see. The condition of the bathroom can be a major selling point or a major turn off. You can increase the appeal of your bathrooms with some simple and affordable upgrades. First, just like the kitchen consider upgrading the faucet sets. Maybe increase the lighting with some vanity light fixtures. Perhaps change out the old floor with some easy to install vinyl tiles. A new toilet seat can also go a long way. If the budget allows perhaps a new toilet and pedestal sink. Change out the shower curtains and add some appeal with a theme for the decorative towels, soap holder, toothbrush holder, ect…

Getting your home ready to sell is sometimes a daunting task. But if you set aside a little bit of a budget that can be used for some simple upgrades, you may find that not only do you get a better overall response but you may increase the value of your home in the process.

Tim Brown
Owner/Broker, Realtor®, ABR,CRS,CDPE®
Auctioneer NCAL#8560
Hines & Associates Realty
TeamHeidi
Direct Line: 704-619-1008
Client Care Line: 704-815-3208
www.CarolinaHomes4Sale.com