When selling or renting out your home dealing with such large quantities of money can be overwhelming. Buyers and renters will never expect to pay the asking price, so it’s your job to give them as little leeway as possible. Contrary to popular belief there’s actually plenty you can achieve on a modest budget.
Patch up the paintwork both inside and out
In association with property consultants Robert Irving Burns, we’ve compiled a list of 5 simple ways to boost the value of your home if decorating and renovating home is out of the question.
Contents
Patch and Paint
Painting is a small investment, but it’s without a doubt the easiest way to give your home a lift. You don’t have to repaint everything, just put a fresh coat in the most important rooms – living room, master bedroom and kitchen – and patch up the blemishes in the others. If you are changing the colour, be sure to keep it neutral. Bold colours are very particular and if you start experimenting buyers and renters will find it difficult to visualize living there. Once completed, don’t spoil your efforts by hanging up posters and picture frames.
Clean Up Inside and Out
It’s the little differences that can make all the difference. Attracting buyers and renters is a psychological mind game, and sometimes what may seem trivial to you could be a deal breaker to them. Make sure your home is clean both inside and out and do everything you can to make it look ‘complete’. Hang fresh towels, change toilet rolls, cut the grass, close open drawers and cupboards, trim your plants, etc. The cleaner and tidier your home looks the more attractive it will be.
Target Your Buyer
Try to imagine what type of buyers will be looking at your home and arrange your décor accordingly. For example, if it’s likely to attract a businessman then turn a spare room into an office; or if it’s more of a family home, perhaps a playroom would be more suitable. While rearranging the layout of your home won’t increase the true value, it could make it a more attractive prospect.
Fix Your Lighting
Swap energy efficient bulbs for high energy bulbs so they won’t need time to brighten up when people view your home. You should be able to do this for under £50. Get rid of any old tacky lampshades and consider swapping a fluorescent kitchen light for something a little less industrial. Remove any lamps that don’t provide a functional purpose to create more space.
De-Clutter
If there’s only one thing you can do to increase the value of your home, get rid of all your clutter. In fact, this should be your first port-of-call. Getting rid of all your clutter will create an illusion of space, even if there isn’t much. This will allow viewers to envision their belongings in your home. If you don’t want to throw things away, pack them down into boxes and tidily store them in your attic or rent a storage space.
While these tips may not increase the value of the property itself, they will help you get a better price. Buyers and renters will always look for negatives and use them to haggle. If you don’t give them any ammunition they’ll have no reason to barter.
