Selling? Three small projects to win buyers over (and three resale killers)

Key Insights

• Understand what homebuyers want and capitalize on easy upgrades.
• Design a laundry space that someone would actually want to spend time in, through wall colors and storage (and yes, you can even do this in the basement).
• The exterior of your home is just as critical as the interior features. Don’t ignore the impact that curb appeal could have on your home sale.

You can only sell your property once, which is why we aim to set sellers up for success the first time around. By following these three projects — and avoiding three common seller pitfalls — you’ll set yourself up for a profitable property listing that’s attractive to homebuyers.

Three can’t-miss projects for sellers

The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) recently conducted a report titled What Home Buyers Want. This study aims to understand how we can best list our homes for sale with the interests of homebuyers in mind.

While the book covers many buyer insights, these are the three easy additions that 80% or more of survey respondents deemed as “essential” or “desirable” that you can make to your home to enhance your space before listing your house on the market.

1. Install a ceiling fan

As homeowners in the Midwest, our houses must be prepared for chilly winter temperatures along with hot (and sometimes muggy) summers. One way to find comfort in these extreme climates is through ceiling fans — and homebuyers know it, too!

In fact, the U.S. Department of Energy states that using a ceiling fan “will allow you to raise the thermostat setting about 4°F with no reduction in comfort.” Ultimately, this can decrease your air conditioning bill and save you money in the summer months. Plus, in winter months, fans can help distribute heat throughout a room, once again making your home cozier.

So, whether you give interested homebuyers the logistical pitch of why a ceiling fan is a smart decision for them, or they simply enjoy the aesthetic of having a built-in fan over a standing plug-in version, a ceiling fan is a simple step you can take to upgrade your home prior to selling.

2. Create a dedicated laundry space

Homebuyers crave functional spaces, and we aren’t just talking about stacking a washer and dryer in the basement. It’s important to thoughtfully design an area of the home that’s dedicated to washing, drying, hanging and organizing clothes.

Consider painting your laundry room (or laundry area) a calm, refreshing color like a pale blue or soft grey. You can also add shelving to the laundry area to make the space more practical, even if it is in the basement. Want to take it up a notch? Add art to the walls, rugs to the floors and attractive canisters to collect lost buttons, spare change and more.

3. Stock up on garage storage

The garage is an area of the home that can be overlooked. However, by amping up this room, you’ll drum up a lot of homebuyer interest. Buyers want garage storage space, not just a large, empty carport.

To give your garage a boost, add these storage elements:

• Permanent wall shelves
• Storage racks in the rafters
• Rake hooks
• Organizational cubbies or cabinets
• Built-in tool storage

Avoid these three home resale killers

On the other hand, there are some things that could decrease your ability to sell your home — or prevent you from getting top dollar for your property. If you’re hoping to have a favorable sale, avoid these three home resale killers at all costs.

1. Don’t defer maintenance

When selling your home, you’ll want to make sure that everything is in tip-top shape come sale time. So, you don’t want to defer any maintenance. Glance over every room with inspection eyes and begin to focus on the most obvious issues in your home. If you see peeling paint, old windows or broken outlet covers, it’s time to make some changes.

By ensuring that even the smallest details are ready to go, you’ll create a more attractive listing for interested buyers. Not sure what to look for? An agent with fresh eyes can help you identify the must-fix elements within your space.

2. Stop ignoring curb appeal

Getting your home to stand out online and in person is essential for a prosperous home sale. One thing that you can’t do is ignore curb appeal. To increase your chances of having your home shine through a list of competitors, follow these landscaping tips. Not only will landscaping brighten your home’s exterior, but it will also create a great first impression for interested homebuyers.

3. Reconsider staging your home

Sometimes, home sellers leave up their family photos and unique decor pieces when listing their properties on the market. Although you may want to showcase pictures of your loved ones, you have an affinity for retro furniture or you use a room for something other than its traditional use (hint: the second bedroom you’re using as your spare closet could send the wrong message), it’s important to keep things neutral when putting your home up for sale.

Rather than sticking with your individual design style, opt to stage your home for sale. By working with a professional to go back to the basics, your house will be optimized with a home sale strategy that works.

Ready to sell?

By following these tips, you’ll be well on your way to a successful home sale. Be sure to consider these simple projects when selling, or make a plan to invest in home renovation projects with high ROI. And, your real estate agent can help! Reach out to Edina Realty or one of our agents for extra advice and home-selling suggestions.