Home Improvements + Getting Ready to Sell
It’s 75° out here in Sacramento as I sit here writing this post. As I contemplate the weather, it’s no surprise to me that Spring is not only the best time for cleaning and home improvements, but also for selling. Though our seasons aren’t as intense here as they are in many other states, we do get pretty hot summers and wet, cold winters for California standards. April is definitely a sweet spot for weather here, so of course, it’s when we are most willing to be outdoors and in our yards working on our homes.
As the New York Times just said: “It’s the Best Time to List Your Home.” According to a new report from Realtor.com, homes listed across the country during the first week of April received 14 percent more views online than homes listed during any other week of the year. So with this number in mind, I thought I’d share with you some of the best home improvements you can make as an owner, many of which you can do as a renter as well.
First things first, CLEAN.
Spring cleaning is aptly named and I highly recommend it. But I don’t just mean surface cleaning, I mean to go into your basement, toss out all that old paint (responsibility), scrub the grout and empty those kitchen drawers to give ‘em a wash too. Dedicate your weekend to just cleaning. You’ll feel so good when the house smells fresh and you’ve found a 20 hiding in the dresser you just cleaned out.
Declutter
Better yet, watch a couple of episodes of Tidying Up with Marie Kondo first for inspiration and technique. Really though, do those boxes of extra hangers you are holding on to really spark joy? I didn’t think so, donate them.
Tackle the Honey-Do-List
Running toilet? Loose doorknob? We have all let these like pesky things sit by the wayside but if you plan on selling your home, these things can be important to fix. When potential buyers walk into a home and discover several of these annoyances, deferred maintenance comes to mind. Never a good phrase in real estate. Besides, nothing will annoy you more than when the handle for your hot water falls off when you’re taking your morning shower (yes, I speak from experience).
Fresh. Paint.
I’m sure that lime green paint was in style when you painted the house 20 years ago, but perhaps you should consider something new. Something light and neutral will never go out of style. I find agreeable gray to be the perfect balance between gray and tan and compliments just about anything in the house. Make sure you choose the right finishes for each room, you don’t want peeling walls.
Big Projects
When considering large home improvement projects it’s important to think about the return on your investments. Another thing to consider is whether the improvement is just for selling your home or if you’re planning to live there a while. Here is a good breakdown of your options:
Hire a Realtor
When thinking of selling, it’s a good idea to get a head start. Speaking to a realtor even a year before you plan on selling will set you up for success. They can give you great recommendations and put you in touch with any repairmen and even a stager for advice on how to appeal to most buyers.
With my love of all things design and food, it was only natural for me to start a blog. I want to share with others my adventures as I travel, eat, read, photograph, and discover my way through Sacramento. As a Realtor, it’s important to me to know what’s happening in my community. And why not share that with you?