In a competitive housing market, first impressions matter. Even if you have listed your home at a price that matches fair market value, your home’s appearance can make the difference between a prospective buyer making you an offer or choosing a comparable home one block over. These days, the public is inundated with house-hunter type series on HGTV and similar networks. As a result, the public has also been somewhat programmed to expect the homes they view to look at least something like what they see on TV — putting that much more pressure on sellers to make sure they’re staging their homes in the best possible light.
That said, you do not necessarily have to take out another loan to get your home in pristine shape for viewing. You may not be prepping for an episode of House Hunters, but you can still take a few practical-yet-economical steps to make your home “show-worthy,” just in case. Some of the following tips may add to your home’s resale value; others are basically a “spruce-up.” But all of them can improve your home’s perceived value, making it easier to sell.
Update the Color Scheme
We all know that a fresh coat of paint can go a long way toward making a home look better to prospective buyers — but if your home’s color scheme was popular 10 years ago, it might be time for more than just a touch-up. We aren’t just talking about so-called “neutral colors,” although bold tones may restrict your home’s appeal to select tastes. Rather, if you want to make your home look HGTV-worthy, take a look at some recent episodes of home sales and home improvement shows to see what is being broadcasted. According to research conducted by Zillow and reported by CBS News, trending color schemes at the moment seem to be along the lines of blues, greys and taupes. Some specific tips that draw attention right now:
- Blue or grey front doors
- White-on-white or light blue in the kitchen
- Light blues in dining rooms and bathrooms
- Warmer tones in living spaces (e.g. taupe or beige)
The good news is that while good paint does require a modest investment, it costs less than other types of improvements — and the right color schemes can even add a few thousand extra dollars to your sale price.
Hint: Don’t forget the exterior of your home! Trends may vary here, as well, but currently blues, greys, pale yellows and “greige” (grey-beige) are popular, especially when accented by bolder trims, doors and shutters.
Landscaping
Curb appeal is everything. Most buyers will decide within a few seconds of seeing the outside of your home whether they are interested in seeing the inside. Aside from a fresh coat of exterior paint (see above), consider investing in some tasteful landscaping. It doesn’t have to be exotic, expensive or involved — just eye-pleasing. Spruce up your flower beds; weed and fertilize the lawn. Keep lawn toys and porch “clutter” out of view. Additionally, remember that outdoor spaces are a huge selling point right now, so make sure your backyard is framed in its best light — including some tasteful lawn furniture, if necessary.
Staging
Staging the inside of your home for showing is also a very good idea, and you can usually do it quite affordably. If you have a lot of furniture around the house, it’s time to get it out of the way. Consider packing up some clutter and moving a few of your unnecessary furniture pieces into temporary storage while your home is on the market. Don’t make the rooms sparse, but make them open, with clear pathways and plenty of room to wander and explore. For an extra touch, you might want to hire someone to stage the home for you — but if someone in your family has a good visual sense, you may be able to do it yourself. Either way, staging takes only a modest investment compared to the increased perceived value of your home.
To learn more about how to make your home ready for showing, call Atlanta Fine Homes Sotheby’s International Realty at 404.948.4812.