Some say its a "buyers market", others say it is a "seller's market" but one thing is for sure when it comes to making top dollar on your home, presentation is everything. When your home is on the market it is important to attract the maximum number of buyers and some of these tips may seem obvious but I find often overlooked.

1.  Exterior Paint

First impressions are everything. As potential buyers see your home for the first time you want the exterior to leave a well maintained appearance. A fresh coat of paint will liven and modernize the curb appeal of your home. Painting before selling is a cost effective investment that could increase your homes selling price far and above the initial cost of new paint. You want your home to be the nicest in that buyer's price range. Not sure if it needs it? Walk across the street, does your home look tired or faded? 

BUDGET TIP: Paint trim and front door. Some may not want to invest in putting a fresh coat of paint on a home that you are leaving, so brighten up the trim with some fresh paint and paint your front door. Check out this post for some front door ideas: DIY Home Improvement Projects on a Budget: Front Door Fancy.

2.  Windows and Doors

Replace old windows and doors with new stylish and efficient alternatives. Research study shows that Baby Boomers and Generation Y are consistently linked up in terms of their awareness and openness to make energy efficient and green changes to their homes. If your home already possesses these characteristics be sure to mention them in your listing. A great resource for homeowners interest in making green improvements to their home can be found on Energy Star's website.


BUDGET TIP: Wash instead of replace, make sure to deep clean your windows and doors. We are building a board on Pinterest for Deep Cleaning your Home, check out these tips on The Best Way to Wash Your Windows.

3.  Landscape Your Front Yard

A landscaping makeover can help sell your home, again, its about the first impressions on the home buyer. When they drive up to your home what impression are you giving? An attractive and well maintained landscape can increase the value of your home. Potential home buyers are forming their opinions of your home from the moment they pull up, what does your curb appeal say? You have five seconds for your home to sell itself from the curb. When the front yard is well kept it creates positive expectations for the inside of your home.

BUDGET TIP: Plant some color, seasonal color makes your front yard pop, flats of annuals are relatively inexpensive. Shape overgrown shrubs and trees nothing says neglect like a poorly landscaped front yard.  

4.  Kitchen

There is a fine line between fixing up or selling "as is" when it comes to listing your home. Remember these are tips to help increase the value of your home, not all of them have to be done. Homeowners preparing to sell must make updates that appeal to buyers, make a list of costs when it comes to the kitchen and upgrade as needed. According to HGTV, home buyers aren't looking at your home, they are looking at your kitchen. Adding stainless steel appliances or replacing the faucet could be ways to "wow" your buyers.

BUDGET TIP: Installing new cabinetry can be expensive, try updating your cabinetry by painting them. This could be a simple weekend DIY project. Update perfectly functional but too traditional cabinets with a darker glaze faux finish. Way cheaper alternative to refacing or replacing! Check out our Pinterest Board: DIY Kitchen Updates for some tutorials on how to update your kitchen. 

5.  Bathrooms

When putting your home up on the market it is extremely important to get your home show-ready or it will sit on the market longer and you may not get your asking price. When it comes to the bathrooms keep it simple, and when in doubt use white. It spells clean and that's what buyers want in the bathroom. New toilets, tubs and cabinets can be a big investment. Try smaller projects like cleaning or replacing the tile grout. Re-caulking and re-painting can make a bathroom look brand new. 


BUDGET TIP: Clear the bathroom counters of clutter and do a daily wipe down of counters and surfaces, especially in the bathroom. Make sure the mirrors are sparkling clean before you show the home especially if you are using the bathroom daily. Remove bath rugs, toothbrushes and fuzzy toilet covers and invest in two nice towels that you never use but hang for 'looks' only. Go to Marshall's they have great prices on bath towels.

I hope this list of 5 simple ways to increase your homes value will be helpful in your venture to putting your home up on the market. If your budget doesn't allow for any of these fixes then consider selling your home as a fixer-upper. Young professionals are looking for fixer-uppers if the price is right. It gives the buyer the opportunity to make the home the way they want it.

If you are looking to buy or sell a home in San Diego then contact us today!