There are countless things to do in preparation for selling your home. After the major improvements are completed, there are a variety of smaller updates and changes that can boost your home’s appeal to buyers, as well as increase its value prior to listing. These four improvements are accessible, affordable, and have a great impact.

Value-Add Improvements

Some repairs and replacements have a higher return-on-investment than others. Focus your time and money on those that will improve the final sale price. First and foremost, repair any basic damages, like a leaky faucet or broken blinds. Next, target high-ROI improvements, like updates in the kitchen and bathrooms. Any effort to refresh and update these rooms will have a positive impact. Think about small updates to fixtures and hardware, fresh paint, resurfaced cabinets, and modernized décor.

Painting & Carpet Cleaning

Painting is one of the most popular updates made before listing a home for sale. Carpet cleaning is another accessible task. Both require a bit of time but are relatively inexpensive and items you can do by yourself. In combination, they are an excellent facelift for your whole interior. It’s best to tackle these tasks 20 to 30 days prior to listing your home. This allows you to cover the mess of packing and moving, while still giving the space time to settle in. Your home will be looking fresh and bright just in time for prospective buyers!

Creating Curb Appeal

The exterior of your home is an important detail, as it will be the first impression for visitors. Make sure your yard is tidy, freshly mowed, and free of debris. Store outdoor items in a garage or shed to clear the space. Do some fresh landscaping, such as planting flower beds and mulching trees and shrubs. Finally, touch ups and simple projects can add extra impact and make guests feel welcome. Consider repainting your front door, updating your mailbox, or replacing old hardware and lighting appliances.

Decluttering and Staging

The last step in preparing your home for sale is to stage it. The goal of staging is for your home to appeal to as many buyers as possible. You want to make your home feel comfortable and tidy, while showcasing its strongest assets. Work on packing, purging, and storing unnecessary items in the months leading up to listing your home but hold onto items and décor that will be used for staging. You can find online staging guides or consider hiring help to get your home staged for sale.

There are a lot of considerations when it comes to listing your home for sale. It can be hard to focus your efforts, amidst seemingly endless recommendations and checklists. If you’re preparing to list your home, consider these four high-value improvements, and reach out to an agent today.