Does this mean you must replace fixtures and furnishings over a decade old? I say no. I say just declutter, clean, and stage.
However, if you want to attract the attention of a larger pool of buyers, and buyers willing to spend for certain conveniences, you'd be smart to make some select improvements. Let's take a peek at what buyers' wish lists look like.
Multi-purpose rooms
Buyers want flexibility. But you don't have to knock down interior walls to create a flexible floor plan.
When thinking about the rooms in your home, consider how some can serve more than one purpose. If you stage a bedroom with a daybed rather than a traditional bed, you'll have the space to stage that room as a home office or a craft room as well as a sleeping area.
If you can tuck some gym equipment into a corner of that decluttered and cleaned garage, you could win points with a wider market as well.
If you can add seating to the center island in your kitchen, it suggests that the kitchen can be a spot for casual meals and entertaining. If there is room in your hallway for bookshelves you've added storage space.
Don't shy away from areas that are not perfect for year-round use. If possible, I still like to stage a screened porch or deck as though it is ready for the months when the weather is ideal, even when the house is on the market in the off-season!
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| This room is furnished so it could be seen as a regular bedroom, a guestroom, a reading nook, or a home office space. Photo: HomeDecorBliss. |
Smart technology
Buyers, especially younger ones, expect details like a video doorbell and a programmable thermostat. Most buyers welcome modern appliances, energy-efficient windows, and a security system. Your listing agent can advise you about what's normal in your neighborhood and price point.
Some of these upgrades are DIY projects, like the smart doorbell and outdoor security camera. Some are economical, especially if you shop around, get quotes, read reviews, and wait for sales.
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| You can install a video doorbell on wood, stucco, brick, or vinyl surfaces. Fun fact: the original video doorbell inventor wasn't able to get an investor on Shark Tank in 2013, but five years later Amazon paid him $1 billion for his company. |
Move-in condition
The typical buyer doesn't want a fixer-upper. Most don't have the money, tools, experience, time, or desire to make repairs and upgrades. They want to start moving as soon as they close the deal.
The U.S. Department of Energy has shown that modern HVAC systems can cut energy use by 20 to 50%. That gives you the right to brag about your environmentally friendly and cost-effective HVAC in your listing if you have a new one.
How is your roof? Make it look worry-free for the next owner. An older metal roof can be repainted. Newer ones can be washed. If you have a tile roof with broken tiles, they can be repaired.
Asphalt roof? If it looks dirty it can be pressure washed. According to Bob Villa, an asphalt roof should last anywhere from 15 to 30 years. How old is yours? Get quotes from at least three companies if it needs replacement.
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| Custom cabinetry can make use of every inch of space in your home. Photo: Karen B. Wolf Interiors |
Storage, storage, storage
Built-in storage systems and custom closets are a plus. According to Houzz, 69% of homeowners prioritize storage and organization. Things like cubbies in the mudroom, bookshelves in the bedroom, and garage work counters are the features that catch buyers' eyes! They're charming, functional, and make your home look more valuable.
Even if you don't have space for built-ins, a well-organized pantry or closet still impresses buyers. Pare down your belongings before the real estate photographer gets there. If you rent a storage unit for off-season and extra belongings, it will pay for itself.
Outdoor living spaces
You will also appeal to more buyers when you make your outside spaces part of your staging. A patio, porch, or deck all extend the living area of the home, visually expanding its square footage. Remember, people buy a lifestyle when they buy a home, so stage your property to make it enviable.
Make sure these areas are clean and decluttered. Staging outdoor areas can be done economically with borrowed or second-hand furniture. People want to spend time outside, relaxing, playing games, and entertaining. Any play area or garden space looks 100% better when it is well-tended.
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| Outdoor spaces can look inviting in every season if you choose the right plants and keep all surfaces and furniture clean. Photo: Garden Studio Design |
Modern flooring
If you have hardwood floors show them off! They are timeless. You can economically freshen them by having them screened (lightly sanded) and then given a fresh finish coat.
If you have carpeting, have it professionally cleaned or replaced. Unless your home is being marketed a high-end, new carpeting needn't be top-of-the-line. If you are updating the flooring in baths or kitchens LVP -- luxury vinyl planking -- is the modern way to go.
Curb appeal
Your front landscape can be a deal breaker or deal maker. Prune your shrubbery, trim the lawn edges, and top-dress any mulched areas. If your skillset or your busy schedule doesn't allow for these projects, a few hours of paid labor is often all it takes to change the look of a house from blah to wow!
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| When a large section of your roof is visible from the front, it becomes an important part of your curb appeal. Photo: RoofingCalc |
Get the look, get the book
Don't sell your home to bottom feeders -- the real estate investors, flippers, and conglomerates who need to buy cheap properties. Adding upgrades that buyers expect attracts serious buyers.
No matter where you are in your journey to selling your home, my homestaging eBooks will give you encouragement and practical tips. Download now and start to make your home deserve a higher listing price, a solid selling price, and a faster sale!