INEXPENSIVE HOME UPDATES THAT PACK A PUNCH

Making your home stand out in the crowd doesn't need to break the bank. There are several cost-effective ways that you can make your home more appealing and increase your chances of selling for the best possible price in the shortest possible time frame.  

You don't have to go to extreme measures to create a big impact. Often just subtle, reasonably inexpensive updates can go a long way to increase the property's appeal and give you the competitive edge.

Here are some low-cost updates you could do before listing your home: 

Do a walk-through

The initial step is to visit each room and make a checklist of items that need to be either repaired or replaced. During this part of the process, it is best to be as objective as possible, so it might be helpful to have a friend or family member provide a second opinion. Look for outdated styles, bold patterns and colours, dated fixtures, unfinished projects and over-cluttered cupboards and countertops. When looking at these features consider what elements showcase the home in its best possible light and what doesn't. Once the checklist has been established, the next step is to develop a budget and diarise a date on the calendar to complete the tasks at hand.

Incorporate contemporary styles

Each home and style will be as individual as the owner. Ideally, it is best incorporating modern elements into the home but going for a transitional style that hits the sweet spot between traditional elegance and contemporary cool.  The idea is to tick the 'just right' box - not too cold or formal and not too fussy. A transitional style blends the comfort and warmth of traditional design with the clean lines and muted tones of the modern look.

First impressions count

According to research, it takes just 15 seconds for a buyer to decide whether they like a house or not. First impressions count - so ensure it leaves the right mark. An impression of the home is not only formed by what buyers see inside; it starts from outside the property walls. Buyers driving past will judge whether they want to have a look at the property by the way it looks from the street. Curb-appeal is vitally important and contributes to the success of attracting buyers to the home. Start maintenance from the pavement outside the property and work your way inwards. Basic improvements such as exterior painting, cutting the grass and planting some flowers can improve the look of a home from the outside. Special attention should also be given to the driveway, ensuring that it is weeded and in good repair.

Pay attention the kitchen and bathrooms

As some of the most frequently used areas in any home, the kitchen and bathrooms will be a focal point for buyers. Extra effort should be made to ensure that these areas are fresh and looking great. Things such as stained shower stalls and toilets, broken or missing grout, leaky taps or dated cabinet hardware are easily replaced at minimum cost. If replacement is not an option, have shower stalls or bathtubs professionally resprayed for a fresh look.

A new coat

A fresh coat of paint is a great way to revitalise the home with a reasonably minimal investment, especially if you have the skills to do the job yourself. Paint can drastically transform a space and can be used in a variety of applications on walls, doors, cabinets, fixtures and even tiles. When selecting a colour palette, neutral muted tones will be the most universally pleasing.

By making these small updates before listing a property, you are giving yourself the best possible chance of setting their home apart and achieving your asking price. While these updates may not cost a lot, they will have a big impact on the overall appeal of the property in the eyes of buyers.