Why would two homes with similar features in the same Charlotte, NC, neighborhood sell for significantly different prices? The answer likely lies with the methods the sellers used to get their homes market-ready. From changes in the kitchen to a few coats of paint, here are some of our best tips for selling your home to get the highest sticker price.
7 Tips for Selling Your Home to Boost Its Value in Charlotte, NC
1. Focus on Curb Appeal
First impressions last, and the first glimpse of your property that buyers will get is your front yard. Your driveway, front entrance, and garden spaces will play a significant role in their perception of your property. Poor curb appeal will leave the message that the house is not valuable, even if the inside of the house is impressive. Focus on your curb appeal by planting flowers, taking care of your lawn, and making your front walkway pleasant to look at.
2. Add a New Coat of Paint
With a few buckets of paint and a few hours of your time, you can add value to your home. A new coat of paint makes a tired room feel fresh, especially in highly trafficked areas. Painting your walls in neutral, inviting colors like oatmeal and creams will be the most universally appealing. Now's the time to cover up your favorite bright walls and save them for your new space.
Paint also does the trick when you can't afford more expensive renovations. You can update the feel of your kitchen by painting or refinishing the existing cabinets instead of installing new ones. Paint can transform old furniture into statement pieces that will inspire buyers with ideas for the space.
3. Complete Unfinished Spaces
More often than not, today's buyers are looking for move-in-ready spaces. While an unfinished attic or unlivable basement space may provide the square footage that a family needs, many people do not want the responsibility of completing these spaces themselves. Finish all of the spaces in your home before you put your house on the market, and you'll be able to boost the value of your home and get the attention of a wider pool of buyers.
4. Refresh the Flooring
Floors are another element that can add significant value. Because flooring takes up so much space in a room, it's one of the first things that the eye goes to. And worn-out carpet can ruin the feel of a well-designed room, distracting buyers from its positive qualities. If there's hardwood under your flooring surfaces, don't hesitate to rip it out and let the natural wood shine.
If you've been having trouble selling your property, you may need to update or replace some of your existing floorings. Worn carpet should be replaced with durable and stain-repellent material that buyers won't have to concern themselves with replacing soon. Hardwood flooring can be buffed and refinished to give it new life.
5. Update the Kitchen
The kitchen is one of the biggest selling points of the home. If you have an outdated kitchen and the budget to renovate it, this will add the most value to your property. To get the highest return on your investment, go for a simple color scheme, durable and elegant materials, and energy-efficient appliances.
But you don't need to make expensive changes to increase the value of your kitchen, especially if it has good bones. Changing the finishes, updating a backsplash, and replacing the countertops are a few ways to make your kitchen feel more luxurious without committing to a high budget.
6. Remove Your Personal Items & Declutter
Your home is a personal place. Give potential buyers the chance to envision your home as their own by removing all of your personal items. Keeping photos of family on the wall or private keepsakes on your shelves will distract buyers and send the message that you're not ready to sell your home yet.
Instead, keep the space simple, staging it with only a few art pieces on the walls. On that note, declutter your entire home. Furnish spaces with only a few pieces so rooms have more possibilities. Remove oversized furniture and decorations, and get rid of the stacks of books and papers that often tend to clutter countertops and workspaces.
7. Brighten Up the Space With Nature
A home will immediately feel more welcoming and comforting when it brings elements of nature inside. Staging your home with sheer curtains and opening up the shutters will let soft, natural light fill the house. Turn empty corners into friendly focal points with potted plants, and use flowers as the centerpieces for your dining room and coffee tables.
Selling your home doesn't have to be a hassle. With the right staging strategies, you can add thousands to your listing price. Or let the experts handle the process for you. Contact our team at Better Path Homes: we'll buy your home, regardless of its condition, and handle the sale for you.