.Selling your home right now is a competitive venture, and even that might be an understatement. With more options than buyers have had since 2019 and higher monthly payments thanks to interest rates, buyers continue to become pickier and pickier with not only the price of homes they consider but also the value-to-price offering. Homes that are priced appropriately and have a strong value offering continue to fly off the market and, in many cases, even receive multiple offers. However, homes that are priced at market value according to recent sales in the area but only offer a "normal" home with no standout features and/or have even the simplest of outstanding basic maintenance projects like touch- up paint, carpet cleaning, or basic curb appeal continue to sit on the market and wait 2-4 months for someone to make them an offer. One effective way to make your property stand out is by investing in easy home upgrades and amenities that enhance its appeal and functionality. These improvements don’t necessarily have to break the bank but can significantly impact potential buyers’ perception of your home’s value.
Kitchen & Bathrooms- Consider upgrading your kitchen and bathrooms, as these are two of the most scrutinized areas by buyers. Simple changes like replacing outdated cabinet hardware, installing modern light fixtures, and adding a fresh coat of paint can make a substantial difference. In the kitchen, think about adding a new backsplash or updating countertops with affordable but stylish options. In the bathroom, swapping out old faucets and adding a new mirror can modernize the space without extensive renovations.Another easy yet impactful upgrade is enhancing your home’s curb appeal. The exterior of your house is the first thing potential buyers see, so making a strong first impression is crucial.
Smart Home Features- Smart home features are increasingly popular among buyers looking for convenience and efficiency. At. this point it basically is a requirement to install devices like smart thermostats, smart garage door openers, smart light switches, video security systems, and even smart appliances. All of these can make your home more attractive to tech-savvy buyers. These features not only provide modern amenities but also suggest that the home is up to date with current technology trends, which can be a strong selling point.
Outdoors- Basic landscaping, such as trimming bushes, planting flowers, maintaining a perfectly lush green lawn with no brown spots, adding a fresh coat of paint to the front door, adding fresh new outdoor lighting, updating the house numbers, and having a backyard deck or patio is a requirement at this point. All create a welcoming and polished look. While basic curb appeal is important, sellers need to take these efforts a step further to truly stand out. One of the most appealing upgrades for buyers, especially in a beautiful state like Colorado, is creating inviting outdoor living spaces. Colorado's stunning scenery and pleasant weather make outdoor areas a significant selling point. Buyers now expect a deck or patio where they can envision themselves entertaining guests or relaxing with family however to make a real connection, creative sellers should consider enhancing their value proposition with affordable DIY projects that make a big impact.Things like; creating a low-maintenance natural waterfall, a fire pit area with built-in seating, transforming an old shed into an outdoor hideaway, building a dedicated grill gazebo/cooking area, adding modern privacy walls, and incorporating dimension, shape, and color with landscaping. Other impactful projects are an outdoor potting workshop, a dog wash, an upscale dog run, adding ceiling fans to a covered patio, adding an outdoor movie area, string lighting for ambiance, and enhancing the beauty of a covered patio with wood accents on the ceiling or built-in planters.
Cleaning & Decluttering- Don’t underestimate the power of a thorough, professional cleaning and decluttering. A clean, organized home appears larger and more inviting. Ensure all rooms are spotless, remove personal items, and consider staging key areas with neutral décor to help buyers envision themselves living there. By focusing on these easy home upgrades and amenities, you can make your property more appealing and stand out in the competitive real estate market, leading to a quicker sale!
To wrap it all up, think of selling your home like going on a first date with your crush you've had for months. You'd take a few extra steps before you go, right? Maybe you get a fresh haircut or a new shirt. Ladies, maybe you finally open that red lipstick you bought months ago but haven't had the chance to use. Just like preparing for that date, putting in the extra effort with your home can make all the difference in creating a lasting impression and connection.
If you want to learn more about these projects or other Real Estate Shark-approved home selling projects, reach out!
-Brandi Wright, The Real Estate Shark
