10 Tricks To Make Buyers Love Your Home

You do not need a lot of money to spruce up your home before putting it on the market. Check out these 10 easy and relatively frugal changes that can inspire buyers to fall in love with your home.

1. First Impressions Do Matter

First impressions are everything in real estate. You want to create a connection between potential buyers and your home the second they pull up to your property. Consider updating the porch light, fixtures, house numbers, planted containers, and doormats. You may even want to plant some new plants with flowers so there are nice pops of color on the walk in. A little can go a long way here.

2. Fake More Storage

Even if your home doesn’t have a lot of storage, you can make prospective buyers feel like there’s plenty of room for stowing all their stuff. Here’s the trick...aim to leave about 30 percent of each closet or shelf empty to give visitors the impression of generous storage. Clear out all of those jam packed corners, and temporarily store your belongings in a rental facility or a family member’s home.

3. Refresh Paint

If you currently have a colorful home you will want to tone it down. Colors are a very personal thing and even though painting could be done by the buyer, it can be hard for some people to visualize themselves in a home if the colors are bold. But don’t go and put white on everything! A sophisticated neutral will do a better job of showing off windows and moldings, making the home feel more cozy. Opt for warm grays, creams, or beige over plain white.

4. Bring in the Sun

Everyone loves a home with good natural light. Since you have been living in your home, you know when it gets the best sunlight. Be sure to share this with your realtor so they can schedule photography and open houses accordingly. Replace heavy curtains with lightweight styles that match the wall colors. Be sure to give every window a thorough cleaning, and do not forget the screens.

5. Make it Cozy

Home buyers love charming homes. Who cares if your porch is small? If it’s spiffed up with an adorable bistro set and a container herb garden, it will be oh so appealing. A new fire pit and a set of lawn chairs beckoning from a far corner of the yard will spark the buyer’s interest.

6. Make Appliances Like New

Notice we didn’t say to replace them…You don’t have to splurge on a new fridge or an eight-burner stove. But do take a good hard look at your appliances. If your dishwasher is dented and missing buttons, or your refrigerator hums like a generator, you may want to invest in repairs. The kitchen is the most scrutinized room of any house, and your investment, albeit small, will pay off.

7. Revitalize the Master Bath

Everyone wants a nice master bath, so the more spacious, and spa-like you can make yours feel, the better. An easy fix is to swap your current towels, rugs, and shower curtain for plush white versions, and consider replacing your hardware with inexpensive yet modern upgrades.

8. Don’t Over Do It

There’s a fine line between carefully curated and museum-like. While it’s important to make your home feel as spacious as possible, don’t make potential buyers feel like they can’t touch anything. To create a sense of space, remove any furnishings you don’t need. And for those you choose to keep, don them with cozy pillows, blankets, and other touches that will make your house seem like home.

9. Freshen Your Floors

Pay special attention to what’s underfoot, because potential buyers sure will. Have wood floors refinished so they gleam, tile and grout should get a deep cleaning. And last but not least add unobtrusive area rugs to cover any problem spots and create a feeling of comfort.

10. Fix All the Tiny Things

No buyer wants to see obvious signs of neglect. So go through your house and make any quick repairs you can, leaving no chipped molding, loose door handle or leaky faucet behind.

Next on your list is to find a qualified local agent to help you list your home. If you are in Central Maryland and considering selling, we should talk. I’m a Howard County native with over 15 years of experience in real estate. I’m also a Certified Negotiation Expert, a Pricing Specialist, and the realest real estate agent you will ever meet. If you aren’t in Central Maryland, I have connections with other amazing agents across the country and I’d be more than happy to introduce you.