Key upgrades before you sell your home

It has been another interesting year for the property market, but after many months of bumper results, Core Logic is now reporting that national home values are beginning to settle. Quarterly results showed half the growth of the same period a year earlier, which demonstrates that the market is finally showing signs of favouring buyers.

If you are planning to sell your home or unit, don’t let this put you off. As soon as you sell, you will become a buyer yourself and able to take advantage of a slower-moving market.

The goal of your sale is to achieve the best possible outcome in the market you’re in. To achieve this, your place needs to stand out. The following upgrades will make the biggest difference to buyer impressions:

Enhance your curb appeal

Your home’s exterior is the first thing potential buyers see when they arrive. Enhancing curb appeal can make a substantial difference in how your property is perceived. Consider the following upgrades:

• Fresh paint: A fresh coat of paint on the exterior walls, front door and window frames can instantly uplift the look of your home.
• Landscaping: A well-maintained garden creates a welcoming atmosphere and gives the impression of less ongoing upkeep for the new owner. Trim overgrown plants, mow the lawn and add some colourful pot plants to add vibrancy.
• Pressure wash: This is such an easy win and can make your driveway, front steps and home look good as new.

Modernise the kitchen

The kitchen is the heart of the home, and an updated kitchen can be a significant selling point. You don’t have to go all out with a full renovation; minor upgrades can make a big impact. Consider these changes:

• New countertops: Replacing old, worn-out countertops will give your kitchen a fresh look.
• Cabinet refacing: Instead of replacing all the cabinets, consider replacing them with new doors and handles. This is a cost-effective way to create a contemporary look that buyers like.
• Updated appliances: Buyers want a modern stove, cooktop and dishwasher. Invest, and you’ll impress.

If you’re struggling to make decisions about the look to go with in your kitchen, have a chat with your real estate agent. They can tell you what has been popular with buyers in the area.

Refresh bathrooms

Bathrooms are another crucial area that buyers pay close attention to. A clean, modern bathroom can add significant value to your home. Here are some upgrades to consider:

• New fixtures: Replacing old faucets, showerheads and cabinet hardware with modern fixtures gives your bathroom a fresh look without the need for a full renovation.
• Re-grouting tiles: Over time, grout can become discoloured and make a bathroom look worn out. Re-grouting is a simple way to make the bathroom look clean and well-maintained.
• Improved lighting: Upgrading bathroom lighting can make a big difference. Consider installing bright, energy-efficient LED lights or adding a stylish vanity light.

Before you sell, have any leaks or dripping taps repaired. A building inspection will pick these up and could potentially give your buyers negotiating power.

Update flooring

Flooring can dramatically affect the overall look and feel of your home. Replacing worn or outdated flooring can make a significant difference. Consider these options:

• Refinish hardwood floors: Treatment from a specialist can restore your floor’s shine factor.
• Carpeting: New carpet can work wonders, especially in bedrooms and living areas with a lot of foot traffic. Opt for neutral tones that appeal to a broad audience.
• Tile or vinyl: For high-traffic areas like the kitchen and bathroom, repair or replace worn-out tiles or vinyl.

Create a neutral, clutter-free environment

If your budget is extremely limited, remember that less can be more when it comes to a home sale. Creating a neutral and clutter-free environment will help buyers see themselves living in your home. Remove your personal items, declutter spaces and consider a fresh coat of paint in light, neutral colours to make rooms feel more inviting.

Need advice to prepare your home for sale?

Your real estate agent can help you prioritise repairs and upgrades before you sell or they can connect you with a stylist to update your home’s look and make it a space that buyers will fall in love with.

If you’re getting ready to sell, invest some time and energy in having the place look more picture-perfect before the photographer arrives. Your online listing needs to stand out to get more people through the front door on open day.