Believe it or not, Spring is just around the corner and late April is traditionally the best time to list a home for sale. As you consider selling your property and getting it ready to go to market, you’re likely thinking over which improvement projects to invest in and which to skip. Give your home an added boost by tackling these top five spring projects – your property will likely sell faster and command a higher price than it’s competition.
1. Fresh Paint
One of the easiest ways to make a home look fresh and updated is through a new coat of paint. Pale, neutral paint colors create an inviting backdrop without having to undergo construction or a remodel. If you plan to move and stage your home, wait to paint the interior until the home is vacant – it’ll cost less and touch-ups will be less likely from movers accidentally scuffing walls.
Paint peeling or looking faded on the exterior? A fresh coat of paint can add to your home’s curb appeal so it makes the best first impression to any potential buyer.
2. Refresh the Landscaping
Outdoor spaces are now considered an essential extension of the home, this holds especially true in California where our temperate climate allows for a truly indoor/outdoor lifestyle. Outdoor spaces should compliment the interior of a home and not only provide additional living and entertaining space, but create a beautiful oasis for the homeowners.
Landscape projects can vary greatly in price depending on the project scope, materials and design. Short on funds? Opt for simple updates that give the most bang for your buck like laying down some fresh mulch, trimming overgrown trees or planting some additional flowers. Looking to really make an impact? Meet with a professional to add new walkways, patios or landscape lighting.
3. Deep Clean
Spring is the perfect time to complete deep cleaning tasks in spaces we often overlook when we live in a home.
Washing the interior and exterior of windows, glass doors and their tracks, allows a buyer to focus on the beautiful view of your backyard, instead of the dirty toddler handprints or dog nose prints on your rear sliding door. Washing cabinet door fronts in kitchens and bathrooms ensures no sticky residue from grease accumulation or hairspray. Pressure washing patios and professionally cleaning carpets puts your home’s best foot forward to highlight it’s positive features.
4. Clear out Clutter
Consider a garage sale to clear out unnecessary items you no longer need or don’t love enough to pack and move to another home. Removing excess items from your home can make it feel more open and inviting, and allow buyers to focus on the potential of your house and envision what their life might look like living in it instead of on the decades of possessions you’ve accumulated.
5. Inspections
Proper home inspections can give light to minor repairs needed in and around a home, which are often simple and inexpensive to fix. If larger problems are found through a home inspection, finding them before a home is listed gives a homeowner the opportunity to remedy the problem. Once repairs are completed, inspection reports can be amended to reflect the current (improved) condition of the home.
While home inspections can be completed by the buyer after putting in an offer, having the seller provide them in their disclosure packet helps ensure a buyer knows exactly what condition the home they’re interested in buying is in prior to submitting an offer. This lessens the chance of buyers asking for credits for unexpected surprises that come up when inspections are completed after an offer has been submitted and helps ensure a successful and seamless closing.
