No one wants their home to sit on the market for months. But in order to sell your house quickly, you’ll have to make some improvements to attract potential buyers. Luckily easy updates like repainting can make a big difference. Here are 7 simple DIY projects you can tackle in a weekend to help ensure a fast sale.
1. Repaint
Nothing makes a home feel fresher than a new coat of paint. Scuffed walls or paint choices that are too colorful could turn potential buyers off. So head to the hardware store and buy a nice shade of beige or gray paint. Neutral tones will turn your home into a blank canvas, enabling potential buyers to imagine themselves living there. Don’t forget to patch any visible holes in the walls before you get to work!
2. Declutter Personal Belongings
Decluttering is another easy update you can make for a fast sale. Personal belongings like tchotchkes and family photos can make buyers who tour your home feel like they’re invading your space. Seeing your wedding pictures could subconsciously deter them from submitting an offer.
Decluttering your home and making it appear more minimalist will allow buyers to imagine their furniture and belongings in the space. Once a buyer starts considering where their dining room table will go, an offer is likely to follow.
3. Update Light Fixtures
Certain light fixtures have fallen out of fashion and can make the rest of your house look outdated. If you have domed lights, elaborate crystal chandeliers, or track lighting, consider replacing them with more modern fixtures.
According to design experts, oversized pendants with fabric or rattan shades are trending. Layered lighting is also a popular look. It involves adding multiple sources of light to a room to set the mood, including pendants, table and floor lamps, sconces, and candles.
4. Refinish or Replace Flooring
If you have hardwood floors, you may be able to rent an industrial sander and refinish them yourself, allowing you to refresh your space on a budget. But old carpeting or laminate that has seen better days may need to be replaced entirely.
Luckily you can install click-in laminate flooring yourself, which quickly slots together without any special tools. Putting carpet tiles over your existing flooring is also an easy DIY project that you can accomplish in a weekend.
5. Deep Clean
Deep cleaning is another easy update you can make before you list your home for sale. Because potential buyers will heavily scrutinize your house, you’ll have to do more than just vacuum and mop. Consider renting a power washer to refresh your sidewalk, patio, windows, and siding. If you have carpet inside, it’s also worth renting a carpet cleaner to eliminate any stains or odors.
Additionally, be sure to wash your walls and scrub your baseboards and molding, which can collect dust and dirt over time. Don’t forget to wipe down neglected areas like cabinet interiors, blinds, ceiling fans, light switches, and air vent covers. It’s also a good idea to move all your furniture and appliances so you can clean underneath them. Once you’re finished, consider inviting a friend over so they can inspect your work and make sure there aren’t any lingering messes or smells.
6. Boost Curb Appeal
Studies have shown that the curb appeal of your home can account for as much as 7% of the final sale price. So if you want to sell your home in a weekend for top dollar, don’t neglect your landscaping. Make sure to keep up with regular yard maintenance, such as mowing, pruning bushes, and removing sticks and leaves. To add some extra flair, try planting a flower bed, installing window boxes, and putting flower pots by the front door.
Additionally, consider sprucing up your entryway by repainting your front and garage doors, installing new hardware, and adding house numbers. In case you have evening showings, install a sconce or two by your front door and place some solar lights along your walkway to create an inviting glow.
7. Address Deferred Maintenance
When life gets busy, homeowners sometimes defer maintenance and forget to fix things like drippy faucets. Before you list your home, try to make as many easy updates as you can, such as fixing misaligned cabinets, squeaky doors, faulty outlets, and cracked gutters.
You may not notice these minor details after living in your home for years. However, buyers with a more discerning eye could be turned off by this deferred maintenance. After all, if you aren’t rectifying minor issues, buyers may wonder if you’re neglecting bigger repairs too.
Try These Easy Updates to Secure a Fast Sale
Although DIY projects can be intimidating, these easy updates don’t require special skills. If you work efficiently, they can also be completed in a weekend, helping you get your home on the market faster. Simple changes like repainting and decluttering could lead to a faster, more lucrative sale. Although you’ll have to put some sweat equity into your home, the financial reward will likely be worth it.