Whether or not you’re thinking about selling your property, it’s worth keeping it in good nick just in case you want to sell. Our town isn’t huge and people will be walking or driving by your home. so you always want to be giving a great impression. When it comes time to sell, if you’ve made these upgrades, you’ll likely achieve a higher sale price.
Over the past few years, regional areas have become highly desirable as people escape crowded cities and endless traffic for clean air and room to move.
Our growing population means we always have buyers, but there is always competition between sellers. Buyers look for value, and my tips will help you to impress them. However, before I continue, I’d stress that if you want to completely renovate your kitchen and bathroom for your enjoyment, then go ahead. However, be aware that you won’t make the cost back in the sale price. See my budget-friendly tips below that will add value you’ll probably make back in the eventual sale price.
Kerb appeal
If the exterior of your home is tidy, well-maintained and looks as if it’s low maintenance, you’re a step ahead.
Even if you need to employ someone to help you, it’s worth doing the following regularly.
– Pressure wash paths, paintwork and (if it’s got mossy or grungy) your roof
– Keep lawns edged neatly.
– Prune unruly bushes and plants.
– Mulch garden beds.
– Replace the old letterbox if it looks shabby.
– Make sure your house number is visible
To make your home feel more welcoming, paint your front door and make sure your lighting is adequate.
Kitchen confidential
You’ve no doubt heard the adage that kitchens sell homes. It’s more of a truism. The state of your kitchen can make or break a sale. Here’s what to do to make your kitchen seem worthy of a chef.
– Clean the walls and ceiling and repaint.
– Swap a tiled splashback for glass. It’s expensive but glass is easier to clean and looks modern with no grout to clean.
– Regrout any tiles if you choose to keep them.
– Check your cupboard doors. If they’re looking too 1990s, think about painting them or replacing them.
– Declutter your cupboards so you can store appliances off the counters. This makes it seem like you have ample storage space, something buyers always look for.
– Replace tapware if it’s looking a bit shabby. You can achieve a contemporary look without breaking the bank.
Don’t replace your entire kitchen, though. Your taste might not coincide with buyers’ tastes and you’ll have wasted money.
Spa-like bathrooms
We know women make the final choice on what to buy ‒ and they won’t buy a home with a low-grade bathroom if another property has a glamorous bathroom that looks as if it doesn’t need anything done to it.
Some upgrades you can do yourself as long as you have patience. For others, it’s best to call in the trades.
– Regrout the tiles. This might give you the opportunity to change the grout colour to one that doesn’t show mould and dirt. Removing old grout can be time-consuming and tedious but it’s doable. Once that part is done, make sure you mix antimould into the new grout mixture, and seal it when it’s dry.
– Repaint. Bathroom paint, I’ve found, starts to look tired after about eight years. Alternatively, scrub all the paintwork with sugar soap to brighten it.
– Minimise your colour palette. Sticking to one main colour then using two complementary colours will make your bathroom appear larger.
– Replace tapware ‒ but only if it looks old and worn.
– Add extra storage. I love using the space above the door for storing towels or toilet paper.
– Add a plant or two.
While it isn’t worth it to renovate your bathroom (unless it’s for your enjoyment), potential buyers will appreciate a fresh-looking bathroom they don’t have to work on before they move in. In the meantime, you can enjoy your mini spa.
Decluttering and styling
Decluttering isn’t a simple process so I suggest you do a little bit at a time. Once you have a clean slate, then look at your home room by room. Could you move the furniture around so it makes more sense or is easier to navigate? Could you rehang artwork so it fits in better with your scheme? Look at some of my styling tips. Even if your home isn’t on the market, you can still have fun with styling.
Talk to me before you spend too much
As I mentioned earlier, it’s easy to overcapitalise with renovations. Talk to me first so I can give you a better idea of how much (or how little) you should spend to appeal to the most likely type of buyer your home will attract.
Need advice on selling your Gloucester region property?
As a proud local, I’m here to guide you through the process of selling your home. I specialise in lifestyle, rural and residential properties. I’ve done it myself and helped many families over my career. So give me a call; I’m here to help.
