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House prices are influenced by many factors that are outside of a home seller’s control. The state of the economy, interest rates, and supply and demand for a particular type of property are just a few examples.
But if you are selling, there are some things you can do to add value to your home and increase the chances of getting a good price. And you don’t always need to make major investments like adding a loft or a conservatory! Let’s look at a few affordable ways you as a seller can increase your property value.
Please note your priority for any improvements should always be the structural issues. Structural cracks or bulges in the walls, roof damage and leaks and collapsed floors should be addressed first. This will give your property the best chance of finding a buyer at the price you want.
A potential buyer’s first impression as they pull up to the driveway can quickly increase or decrease how much they think your property is worth. What can you do to freshen up your property exteriors?
Throw a fresh coat of paint on the exterior walls or cladding. Any cracks in cladding, brickwork or damage to the paint will easily make the property look rundown.
Mow the lawn, trim hedges, rake up dried leaves and plant some flowers. A tidy front garden is a great welcome to a potential buyer.
Make sure the path to your front door is clear and well-maintained. Take care of any cracks and unsightly grass and mossy growth in your drive.
Consider painting it a bold, eye-catching color or upgrading to a more modern design. Replacing the knob, or putting in a house number and house name plaque add a special touch as well.
What are some of the things you notice as you walk into someone’s home? The kitchen and the main bathroom are often described as the most important rooms. But let’s talk about other elements of the interiors which can boost your chances of selling at a great price.
This is basic but worth mentioning. Make an inventory of all the little defects that could put off a prospective buyer. Fix leaking faucets, cracks in the plasterwork, mouldy patches and squeaking doors.
Make the interiors of your property look as clean and spacious as possible. Start by decluttering and removing any personal items or knick-knacks. Then, give your home a deep clean (including all bathrooms!) to make it look and smell fresh.
A fresh coat of paint can change the look and feel of the interiors. Stick to neutral colors that will appeal to a wide range of buyers.
Bulbs and lamps with the right brightness and placement can really open up and warm up a space. See where you can install better lighting, especially in rooms with no windows and limited natural light.
Outdated lighting fixtures can make your home look old and dingy. Consider upgrading to new, modern fixtures that will brighten up your home and make it look more appealing.
Old or stained carpets can make your home look unclean and uninviting. You can replace them with new, neutral-colored carpets that will appeal to a wide range of buyers.
Scuffed, faded or damaged flooring can be quite a turn-off. If your flooring is old or outdated, consider upgrading to a more modern option such as hardwood or laminate.
A fresh coat of paint can change the look and feel of the interiors. Stick to neutral colors that will appeal to a wide range of buyers.
Having plenty of built-in storage space is a great selling point. Look for spaces where you can install shelves, cabinetry and cupboards such as under stairs, above sinks, or other unused wall space.
The kitchen is often the heart of the home, so it’s important to make sure it looks modern and appealing. If you can’t afford to completely remodel your kitchen, consider updating the cabinets, countertops, or appliances.
Like the kitchen, the bathroom is a key selling point for many homes. You can update fixtures to give the bathroom a budget makeover. Consider replacing the towel and toilet roll holders, taps, shower heads and toilet seat, shower curtain, and even adding some fresh towels.
Adding mirrors can brighten up a room and create a feeling of spaciousness. Well-placed artwork and plants add color and life to your interiors.
Not everything needs to be upgraded though! You may be selling a home with period features such as fireplaces, mouldings and windows. See if these can be maintained or restored to keep that unique character of the property.
This can also be a great selling point for potential buyers. Consider adding insulation, upgrading to double-glazed windows, or installing a new, energy-efficient boiler.
Gardens and decks are like extensions of the liveable space within a property. Here are some ideas to boost the aesthetic appeal and maximise use of your outdoor living area.
You can create an attractive outdoor living space on your patio or deck. Put in some comfortable seating, add some cushions and some potted plants. String lights and floor lamps will give dimension and a homey touch to your garden. An outdoor area where people can lounge, entertain and share a meal will be attractive to potential buyers.
It’s not just flowers that can bring that pop of colour to a garden. Carefully arranged pottery in bright hues can add energy and charm to your outdoor space. Be creative and add interesting shapes in the shrubs and plant beds too.
Don’t leave your garage, shed or fences peeling or looking drab. A new paint job can make them look well-kept and add to the overall appeal of your property.
There are many effective yet affordable ways to increase property value when you’re preparing to sell. Focus on small improvements that will make your home look clean, modern, and inviting. This way, you can attract more potential buyers and ultimately sell your home for a higher price.
When you are ready to sell after all of your improvements, choose an estate agent who will help you get the best possible price in the best timescale. At Kirkland Estate Agents, we specialise in property sales in Lanarkshire, Glasgow and Central Scotland. We will help stage your property, get the best photos and videos and make sure it’s advertised to the widest audience. To learn more about how we can help you and why we are the right agent to help you sell your property, don’t hesitate to get in touch.