10 Home Improvement Projects to Tackle Before Listing Your Home
Address the Exterior
First impressions are everything. In the months leading up to listing your home for sale, put in a little sweat equity to create killer curb appeal. Prune the bushes, powerwash the fence and never underestimate the impact of a fresh coat of paint on the shutters, siding or doors. Replace your old mailbox and house numbers or give them a facelift with spray paint.
Go Neutral
Preparing a home for the market is all about appealing to the masses. You may be obsessed with that bold statement wall in your master bedroom but ruby red isn’t for everyone. Use a soft, neutral hue to give the people what they want: a blank slate. Soft shades of white, beige and gray are popular picks because they appear fresh and clean. Bonus: Light, neutral paint colors create the illusion of a larger space.
Update Light Fixtures
Light fixtures are the jewelry of the home, so make sure yours are prepared to dazzle prospective buyers. Toss the dated flush mounts and bid adieu to the glossy brass chandelier from 1987. Replace them with pretty, Pinterest-worthy pendants like the ones pictured in this cozy kitchen.
Focus on Floors
No one wants to come home to a pet-stained carpet or dingy floor, so replace any worn-out or dated flooring throughout your home. A dark-stained hardwood will always be a beautiful choice but there are also many budget-friendly laminate options and carpets that will make a huge impact. Prioritize high-traffic entertaining spaces such as the living room or kitchen when allotting your flooring budget.
Remove Popcorn Ceiling
If you haven’t already removed that unsightly popcorn ceiling, make it a priority before putting your home on the market. We know nobody wants to spend their Saturday afternoon scraping the ceiling, but the removal process is relatively simple and it's so worth it. So roll up your sleeves and remove it yourself so that there’s one less “daunting project” that could deter potential buyers from making an offer.
Upgrade Master Closet
Give your master closet a new look by installing a custom storage system. Showy built-in shelves give this walk-in a wow-factor that buyers will think about long after they left their viewing. Re-create this space by adding built-in units in your closet or by fastening a series of floating shelves along the walls.
Create a Squeaky-Clean Slate
If your bathroom tile has seen better days (like in the 1970s) put in some sweat equity and replace them with a set of crisp, white tiles. The classic subway tiles in this airy, white and gray bathroom give the space a bright and clean appearance that buyers would love to call their own.
Install Molding
Enhance your home by installing crown molding and baseboards throughout. This simple, subtle touch yields huge impact because it adds a polished touch that gives a space a high-end look.
Replace Dated Hardware, Mirrors + Plumbing Fixtures
Give your bathrooms a facelift in one afternoon by swapping out old faucets, replacing mirrors and installing new cabinet hardware. Replacing these accents will give your bathrooms a modern boost that will turn buyers’ heads. Pro tip: Select classic finishes like nickel or brushed brass for an upgrade that will last them years.
Take Your Stairs to the Next Level
Freshen your foyer by ripping up that grimy and dated stair runner and replacing it with a few coats of paint. (How striking is this inky staircase?!) Ripping out the old carpet and painting the stairs black or white will provide the new owners a clean canvas that they can easily manipulate to reflect their personal style.
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