How to Unlock the True Value of Your Home

Small things you can do to wow prospective buyers and close at a higher price

So you’re ready to sell and you’ve got a number in mind. But what if you could get more? There’s a good chance you can—especially if your home is at least 10 years old (or hasn’t been updated in that long). A relatively small investment up front can add tens of thousands of dollars to your original asking price. Here are just a few things you should consider.

Basic landscaping

Good landscaping can add anywhere from 7-15% to your home’s total value. So it’s worth it to spend some time (or hire someone to) do a bit of basic landscaping. You don’t have to rip everything up. Consider planting a few small shrubs, clean up your lawn’s edges, add a hanging plant here and there, and make sure your property is clear of any debris.


Paint

If there’s only one thing you do to update your home, it should be painting it. A fresh coat on your front door adds to your curb appeal. Repainting your kitchen cabinets is so much less expensive than replacing them, and makes them look brand new. And of course, updating your walls to a neutral color adds an air of newness to any home.

Update Fixtures

There are few things that do as much to update the look of your home as new fixtures. Installing modern light fixtures in shared areas can (literally and figuratively) brighten a room. A new faucet can rejuvenate your whole kitchen. And new handles can make decades-old cabinets look brand new. It’s as close to a complete renovation as you can get without spending thousands of dollars.

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Pressure Wash

There could be years’—if not decades’—worth of grime all over your property. It’s not something you can just hose off. But, you can powerwash it off. In a single afternoon you’ll take years of weather wear off your fence, driveway, garage door, and most other surfaces, adding a fresh look to your home. Pressure washers can be rented by the day from many home improvement retailers. Note: avoid pressure washing vinyl siding; water can get between the siding and the vapor barrier.


Hire a Cleaner

When you’re selling and staging your home, hiring a pro is worth the extra coin. More than just a sweep and a mop, they’ll go deep into every nook and cranny to make sure your home is as clean as the day you moved in. It’ll save you a whole lot of back-breaking work and give your interior that wow factor that pulls in offers.

Hire an Inspector

No one likes surprises. So while serious buyers will likely hire an inspector to ensure everything is as it should be, you should do the same—before you even list it. You’ll identify any issues that could be deal breakers and lower the value of your home. Addressing them upfront will help you avoid the disappointment of fielding lower offers or having offers revoked altogether.

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