Looking to make your Bethlehem home stand out against the competition, but have limited funds or time for remodeling projects? Here are some low to no cost/high impact ideas that will score big with the buyers and turn that 'FOR SALE' sign to 'SOLD!!'
- Make a good first impression. No one is impressed if the exterior is messy. Sweep the front porch, dust for cobwebs and clean the windows. Paint the front door an eye-catching color and make sure the lock does not stick! If it's difficult to get in, the buyer is forming a negative opinion before they even get inside. If your front door is dated and funds allow, consider replacing the front door with a new energy efficient one. There are currently tax credits for certain energy efficient upgrades. You can also infuse a little color with a new exterior door mat.
- Clean, Clean, Clean! From the ceiling to the floors, make the interior shine. Dust for cobwebs, clean the baseboards, dust the ceiling fan blades. Clean out your closets. A clean closet looks much larger than an overstuffed one. Have the carpets professionally cleaned.
- A little paint goes a long way. Paint the walls and trim for a fresh new look. Stick to neutral shades to appeal to the largest percentage of buyers.
- Recondition or paint worn looking kitchen and bath cabinets and add new hardware for an updated look.
- Add roll-out trays in the kitchen cabinets. Buyers do open kitchen cabinets and the additional, efficient organized storage scores big with potential buyers!
- Granite countertops are hot with potential buyers! While granite slab is costly, granite tile is a fraction of the cost. 12-inch granite tiles will cost a homeowner several hundred dollars in materials.
- Replace old flat interior doors with new modern paneled interior doors. Bright new doors give an updated modern look to the home and impact every room.
- Fix small everyday nuisances. Make sure all lights have working bulbs, none of the faucets have drips, none of the toilets continue to run, and the doors do not stick. Small annoyances that you live with everyday will have potential buyers deducting dollars off their offer or worse yet, they will select another home!
- De-clutter and de-personalize. You are moving anyway, so pack up family photos, treasures, kids toys (at least some of them!), and collections. Remember less is better. You want potential buyers to be able to visualize themselves and their belongings in the home. Another added benefit is that your home will appear larger.
- Freshen the basement. Give a fresh clean look to an unfinished gray basement with paint. You would be amazed at how painting the gray walls and floors of an unfinished basement completely transforms and freshens the space.
If you are looking to sell your Bethlehem home, I can help! Call me for a free, no-obligation market analysis. Visit my website for more information: www.mrslehighvalley.com
