When it comes to selling a home, the small tweaks can sometimes make the largest difference. From the tile grout to the smells, Apartment Therapy recently asked real estate pros to chime in with the easy-to-overlook attributes of a home that could increase a home’s value.
The often overlooked areas that can make some of the biggest difference include:
Clean surfaces and crevices
Take note of those baseboards and tile grout because the cleaner they are, the bigger the impact. “Buyers notice everything,” Bull told Apartment Therapy. “I’ve had clients ‘ooh’ and ‘ahh’ over a basement floor so clean you could eat off it. Even little details matter, like clean grout, tidy closets, and a swept basement floor. Yes, I’ve had buyers get hung up over shoddy tile work and I definitely can’t blame them.” Clean or replace grout and caulk in the bathrooms to give off super-clean vibes.
Updated lighting
Swapping out the light fixtures makes a big difference, too. For example, replace old ceiling fans or light fixtures with more modern choices. “If you want to do a little more work, recessed lighting gives any space a bright, modern touch,” Sarah Maguire, a real estate pro with Compass in Boston told Apartment Therapy.
A smell test
The smell of a home has a big impact on first impressions. Sellers should watch what they cook when they have their home on the market, such as avoiding fish, broccoli, or other foods that can leave pungent lingering odors in a home. “Make sure your home has a pleasant smell, but don’t keep candles or air fresheners in sight,” suggests the Donahue Maley Burns Team. “You don’t want potential home buyers to think you’re covering something up.”
Read more easy-to-overlook updates to increase a home’s value on Apartment Therapy.
Source: “5 Easy-to-Overlook Things That Can Increase the Value of Your Home,” Apartment Therapy (Oct. 23, 2019)
