Have you made the decision to list your home?

While it may not always be the easiest decision to put your home on the market, it is often the right choice. Especially if certain factors are affecting your quality of life, such as the size or location. Making the decision is just the first step, as you should create a strategic plan to ensure the success of your listing with help from your real estate agent. The key to any successful home listing, is first making a few updates! This can help to ensure that your home makes a splash once it hits the market, sells quickly and for an amount that meets your needs.

From painting to curb appeal and everything in between, let’s take a closer look at the top five updates to make before listing your home - and why!

Why Update Before Listing Your Home?

Arranging for a range of updates prior to listing your home can result in a number of benefits.

Not only can certain updates help to boost the value of your home, but it can also help to increase the appeal for potential buyers. With a little TLC, hard work and an eye for detail, you can help your listing really stand out while on the market.

Of course, if you choose to list your home as it is without any updates, that is completely up to you! Some homeowners have slowly had renovations performed and updates completed over an extended period of time, meaning that the home is already market ready! Or they simply don’t have enough time or flexibility in their budget to arrange for certain updates, which is completely understandable as well.

The Best Home Updates for Selling

1. Painting

A fresh coat of paint should never go overlooked. Especially when planning to list and sell your home! We suggest visiting your local paint or home improvement store to browse samples and speak with the experts.

For the most part, we do suggest maintaining a neutral colour palette. Not only will this help to create a blank slate for the new owner, but it also helps potential buyers to better imagine themselves within your home.

Of course, there is always a time and place for a burst of colour. If you have an office space, children’s room or bathroom that could create an appropriate place for an accent wall, we encourage you to paint away! Of course, keeping in mind a tasteful colour palette that won’t be too distracting or potentially leave buyers with a bad impression.

If you opt to add colour, we suggest that you consider an organic colour palette. This may include certain shades of green, blue and even orange.

2. Curb Appeal

Curb appeal is incredibly important. The appearance of your house from the street provides potential buyers with a lasting first impression. If the home appears dated, cluttered or unmaintained, it may deter buyers from wanting to buy, let alone visit for an open house. If a buyer pulls up to the home and sees that “work” needs to be done, they keep looking for other things in the house that need to be done. If they pull up and see a nice tidy, well-kept yard and home, that is what they are thinking as they walk through…

We suggest that you begin with a general cleanup. Remove weeds, cut the grass and give your landscaping a basic refresh. Some outdoor lighting and a little mulch can really go a long way! You may also want to take this opportunity to remove any clutter and garbage, while also tending to any visible damage.

There are a few other small updates that can go a long way. Updating the mailbox, replacing the house numbers and even giving the front door a fresh coat of paint can really take your curb appeal to the next level! And don’t forget seasonal planters or wreaths at the front entrance.

3. Lighting

Many homeowners wouldn’t consider updating their lighting fixtures prior to listing, but this change can surprisingly make a world of difference! Not only can new lighting fixtures help to provide a better range of light throughout the home, but it can also result in better energy-efficiency and boost the overall appearance.

Before replacing or adding new lighting fixtures, consider the overall aesthetic of your home. We suggest doing a little research online or consulting an expert at your local home improvement store before making a purchase, to ensure that this is one investment that will last.

4. Storage Space

You can really never have enough storage space in your home.

If your house has the potential for additional storage to be put in place, we suggest that you explore the idea. Whether it be a loft area in the garage, a storage system in the basement or simply an updated vanity in the bathroom - having extra storage space can be a real eye-catcher for potential buyers.

It can also provide you with a place to store your personal belongings while your home is being staged and photographed, not to mention during open houses and viewings! The less personalized your home, the easier it will be for potential buyers to envision their own belongings. Everyone loves to see a tidy, organized home - it’s motivating and calming!

5. Entryway

After curb appeal, the entryway into your home is another opportunity to create a good first impression for visitors and potential buyers.

If your entryway is dark, cluttered or outdated, this is your sign to take things into your own hands and give it a much-needed update. You may want to consider a lighter paint colour, storage for shoes and jackets, a carpet to wipe your feet, or a key hook.

These updates can really help to brighten your entryway, reduce clutter and provide visitors with interest as they enter your home!

Your Pre-Listing Checklist

Download our pre-listing checklist to get started on the right foot when listing your home! With the right approach and team of experts by your side, you can help ensure a successful sale of your home.

Contact Lisa Cox Today

Did you find this information helpful for the future listing of your home? We encourage you to browse through the other articles in our blog! From finding the best paint colours for your home to the questions that you should ask a real estate agent before working together, we aim to create a range of helpful resources with your needs in mind.

For more information or help navigating the Hamilton, Burlington and Niagara real estate market, contact us today.