Charter One Realty Blog

Preparing your home to market for sale doesn’t usually require spending a fortune on a remodel. Fortunately, targeting a few key areas can make meaningful improvements that buyers are guaranteed to fall in love with. A recent article in the New York Times highlighted a few tips from real estate professionals on preparing a property for sale. Here are a few suggestions that are sure to pique the interest of buyers:

1.    A Fresh Coat of Paint 

Adding a fresh coat of paint is a is a simple way to make your home feel new again. Neutral tones like whites and grays are the best choice when it comes to color. For those buyers who appreciate bold colors, using neutral tones allow buyers to see the space as a clean slate and opens the door to their creativity.

2.    Polish The Floors 

Unless your floors are damaged beyond repair, a good cleaning and polishing of floors bring them back to their original state. Coupled with a coat of fresh paint, this is a cost-effective way to make your home sparkle from top to bottom.

3.    Focus On The Bathrooms 

Unless your bathroom is completely outdated, there are a few simple fixes that will enhance your bathroom. Replacing missing tiles and re-caulking moldy areas are a must. Even the simplest of additions like a new bath mat, shower curtain, and fresh towels can quickly bring a bathroom to life. 

4.    Remove Clutter 

A good rule of thumb is to remove 50% of the clutter from your house. Books, clothing, toys, and decorations are a great place to start. Counter surfaces should be clean and cleared of family photos and tchotchkes.

5.    Add Three Points Of Light

“Every room should have at least three points of light,” said Alison Draper, an agent with Halstead Property, who writes for a company blog about design and staging.  Suggestions for lighting include a table lamp, floor lamp, and an overhead fixture.

6.    Deep Cleaning

Vacuum, dust, and wash the windows inside and out. “Deep cleaning is so important, because while an apartment can show very neatly, it’s the details that people pick up on.” said Heather McMaster, an associate broker at the Corcoran Group in New York. A clean home is an indication to a potential buyer that you care for them home and have kept up with maintenance issues as well.