Small Home Fixes Make Big Bucks in Real Estate

Trying to get the most out of your house? In this market it will be hard to get money out of your house unless you bought before the big boom. The good news is that there are small repairs and upgrades you can do to help sell your home. Make sure you don’t spend more fixing the house than what you’ll benefit from it. In other words don’t spend more than you’ll make.

First if you are living in the house while you’re trying to sell the house Declutterize. When people come in the door, that makes their first impression. You want to make your home look big. Either hide everything in the garage or rent a space to put everything in the garage or rent a space to put your stuff in. If you’re moving to a smaller house have a yard sale. Hang mirrors in place of pictures of contrasting colors. If you have bright walls hang dark pictures, if you have dark pictures hang mirrors.

2. One of the easiest things to do is to put bright lights and high watt lights in the house. You want to make your house look large and bright. If you don’t have a lot of windows that catch the light, fake it with light fixtures. People love bright houses.

3. Make your home smell nice. If you know when the realtors are coming spray Neutra Air or Febreze through out the house. Bad smells can really turn a person off. Whether it is moldy, mildew, or just dirty sneakers bad smells can make a person run.

4. Caulk the cracks! This is an absolute must and only costs a couple of dollars. You will want to buy white all purpose caulk so you can caulk the bathroom vanities, around the toilet and shower/tub, and around the molding to make it look uniform whether you paint the walls or not.

5. If you really want your house gone fast, paint the walls. Buy cheap paint and slap it on there. A fresh coat of paint will brighten your walls and your house. It will make the house look clean and fresh.

6. Molding is a cheap fix that dresses up the house. You may want to add molding around the ceiling in the kitchen or dining room areas.

7. Replace front and back door fixtures or outside light fixtures. Update the light fixture with gold or brass. Door handles to match the light fixtures.

8. Light switches and electrical sockets should be cleaned or replaced. This makes the house look newer and cared for.

9. Don’t forget to clean your light fixtures and fans. Spend a little time cleaning to reap big rewards. This doesn’t cost anything but it will certainly impress potential buyers. Cleaning light fixtures also make the lights look brighter if there is dirt on them.

10. Wash your windows, mirrors and don’t forget to wash the appliances. They don’t have to be perfect, but no one wants to see two years worth of dirt on them either.

The best advice is if you can wait to sell your house, wait until the housing market turns around. About two years and prices will be high again. That’s just an opinion and we know everyone has them.