Last Updated on November 19, 2024 by teamobn
Getting your house ready for sale is a critical step towards attracting potential buyers and raising the value of your asset. Professional staging can be effective. According to RubyHome, 1 in 5 American homes sold in 2021 were staged. In terms of numbers, 1.3 million of the 6.9 million homes sold were staged.
However, professional staging is not always essential or possible for every seller. Some do not have the time, energy, resources or budget to invest in staging. Luckily, you can take some budget-friendly measures to boost your home’s appeal. The best part is that you can implement some DIY improvements without incurring major expenses.
With these steps, you can establish a welcoming environment that resonates with buyers. All you need is some spare time, a little expense, and a lot of creativity for a few simple DIY projects.
5 Easy Home Improvement Hacks to Get Your Home Ready for Sale
In this article, we will share a few affordable DIY methods to make your home presentable and sales-worthy. We will highlight the significance of presentation and the advantages of a well-kept property in the cutting-edge real estate market.
DIY Hack #1: Declutter and Deep Clean
Clutter is a big problem for American homeowners. A recent article published in the New York Post cites a survey stating that 40% of homeowners fear facing this issue. Nearly a third of individuals struggle to keep their homes organized. You can imagine how big the problem can become when selling your place.
Making your house ready for sale requires deep cleaning and decluttering. It is perhaps the simplest do-it-yourself project for homeowners. Just a few steps can help you create a clean and impressive look for your place. They also depersonalize your home, making it easy for buyers to visualize the house as their potential residence.
You can begin by removing personal items such as family pictures, collections, and extra decor. Furthermore, perform a proper deep clean of every room. This includes cleaning surfaces, sanitizing fixtures, and ensuring floors have no stains or spots. 
DIY Hack #2: Maximize Natural Light
A survey published in House Beautiful underscores the importance of natural lighting in homes. According to this survey, 52% of British homeowners said that sunlight flooding in their homes makes them the happiest. Nearly 42% stated that it increased their wellness. Also, 1 in 6 homeowners considered this factor during their renovation projects.
A great DIY improvement to improve the appearance of your house is to maximize the natural lighting. This is also a good way to make your place sales-worthy with minimal staging expenses. Open the curtains and blinds to let sunlight in and brighten up the entire area.
Moreover, consider including mirrors thoughtfully throughout your home. Mirrors can reflect light. They can also make areas feel more spacious. Together, these methods improve the overall ambiance. It also showcases your home’s ideal features, making it more attractive to potential buyers.
DIY Hack #3: Neutral Paint and Touch-Ups
Touch-ups and neutral paints can dramatically enhance your home’s attractiveness to buyers. Dedicate a weekend to a DIY paint project before putting your property on the market. Watch a few videos if you are new to the job as you can save a lot of money by not hiring painting professionals.
Apply a fresh coat of paint in neutral colors. These tones can create a clean, warm atmosphere that appeals to a large audience. This strategic upgrade can make rooms feel more open and chic.
Also, fix any other flaws by repairing and repainting chipped areas on walls, doors, and trim. These small touch-ups foster the overall appearance. It also demonstrates that the property is well-maintained.
DIY Hack #4: Improve Curb Appeal
Did you know that the first impression makes a difference when it comes to selling your home for the best possible price? Bankrate cites a study stating that good curb appeal can increase a property’s overall value by 7%. Moreover, it can help sell the property faster without the massive expense of staging.
A curb appeal project does not require professional expertise. You can begin with basic landscaping by trimming bushes, mowing the lawn, and adding a few potted plants. This enhances the exterior’s visual appeal. These little modifications can create a more welcoming atmosphere that attracts attention.
Next, pay attention to freshening up the entryway. Think about painting the front door in an inviting color, cleaning the walkway, and adding a joyous doormat. These changes foster your home’s exterior. It also conveys a sense of care and attention, making it more appealing to those seeing the property.
DIY Hack #5: Enhance Key Rooms
A buyer’s impression of your house might be greatly impacted by making the key areas better. Concentrate on kitchens and bathrooms, as these places are often major selling points.
Taking a DIY approach to improving these areas is easier than you imagine. Make sure they are thoroughly clean, well-kept, and clutter-free. Focus on mirrors and shower screens as these are often the most visual aspects of the bathroom. Consider little modifications like new hardware or fresh caulk to give these spaces a fine look.
You should not neglect closets and storage areas. Keep them organized to maximize space and reduce clutter. This establishes the impression of sufficient storage. A well-kept closet can make the entire room feel more airy and appealing. Therefore, you can showcase your home’s features and enhance its overall appeal to potential buyers.
Bonus Tip: Consider Selling for Cash as an Option
Selling your home for money is an option that is worth considering if you are short of time for DIY projects. It is particularly important if you want to avoid heavy improvements or a lengthy listing process. This diminishes the need for repairs or staging. If you’re looking to sell your house fast in any condition, learn how it works.
This alternative offers several advantages, including a faster transaction, prompt offer, and the ability to close swiftly. In another report, Doctor Homes notes that an offer can come in as few as 7 minutes with this model. The best part is that the condition of the house does not matter.
You can bypass common challenges like appraisals, mortgage approvals, and potential buyer financing problems. You might get a slightly lower offer in comparison to a normal sale. However, the ease and speed of a cash transaction can outweigh this difference.
The Takeaway
Costly staging is not always necessary when getting your property ready for sale. Easy and economical strategies can dramatically boost your home’s appeal to potential buyers. Moreover, considering a cash sale permits you to skip the daunting listing process and avoid extensive modifications altogether.
This option provides faster transactions and the convenience of selling as-is. These strategies allow you to effectively make your home sales-worthy while mitigating stress and expenses.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- What is the impact of simple DIY improvements on the sale price of my property?
- Staging with a few simple DIY improvements can boost the sale price of a property to a significant extent. The best part is that you do not need to call professionals for these jobs or spend big on materials and labor. Easy steps like cleaning and decluttering, maximizing natural light, and a fresh coat of paint can do the trick.
- How much time does it take to make a property ready for sale?
- The preparation time differs based on the home’s state and the extent of modifications required. Generally, decluttering and deep cleaning may take a few days to complete. Conversely, staging can take between 5-10 hours or longer for bigger properties.
- Are there any potential disadvantages of selling my property for cash?
- Cash sales provide speed and convenience. However, they may result in slightly fewer offers compared to the normal sale process. Additionally, it is necessary to verify the authenticity of cash buyers to ensure a smooth transaction without unanticipated complications.
