Are you giving strong consideration to selling your Southern Maryland home and not sure about which updates would be beneficial?  Making your home stand out among the other listings is worth exploring. Here are a few tips to help you get the attention of potential buyers:

The Kitchen

There are both expensive and inexpensive modifications you can make to your kitchen to elevate it. A full kitchen remodel can be costly and take up considerable time before it’s finished. In most cases, updating the countertops, cabinets, and backsplash will increase the value of your home. Remodeling can be pricey, though. If you’re on a budget but still want impressive results, think about painting your cabinets and adding updated hardware. If you have the time and some rudimentary skills, adding a new backsplash can be a fairly straightforward DIY project. If your countertops need updating, consider less expensive options like concrete or butcher block instead of granite or marble. Your appliances should all be in good working order, they should match in color, and be perfectly clean.

 Moldings

Wainscoting, crown molding, baseboards and chair rails can really dress up a home. If you know your way around a miter saw, this can be a simple and inexpensive DIY project. You can add moldings around the areas where the walls meet the ceiling and floor, around fireplaces, and to frame any built-ins. Chair rails can be baroque or simple, depending on your preference. Adding some bead board on the bottom half of your chair rail with paint of a different color on the upper half will help you achieve a more shabby-chic feel. If traditional is more your speed, you can paint the bottom half of the chair rail, create blocks with painted 1x4s, then add some ornamental pieces at the center of each block.

The Entrance

The front door and porch are how people are introduced to your home. Consider painting your front door it and replacing the hardware. If the door is in bad shape, think about replacing it entirely. Dress up the front porch with some potted plants and maybe a porch swing or seating area. Replacing (or refurbishing) the house numbers and the mailbox is always a good idea. The more inviting the entryway is, the greater your chances of getting an offer.

Increase Your Storage

Buyers look very closely at available storage. Adding extra shelving will help assuage any concerns. Floating shelves are a quick (and relatively inexpensive) upgrade for spaces like kitchens, bathrooms, and bedrooms. In the living room and/or family room, consider a built in bookshelf. Existing closets and pantries should be organized before prospective buyers view the house, so also think about incorporating some organizational elements to make them look larger.

 

Updating your home before you put it on the market will always improve your chances of selling, and in many cases, will help you get what you’re asking. Major improvements can be done — even with a minor budget.

 

If you’d like to talk more about any of these upgrade ideas, or if you need a mortgage pre-approval or a recommendation for an experienced, local Realtor, please get in touch. I’m always happy to help.