1. Painting
Average project cost: $954 to $2,893 (depending on location, paint type, and labor)
Stick with neutral colors throughout, like whites, beiges, or soft grays. “It’s fine whenthere’s an accent wall or whatever; that’s different,” MaryBeth Harrison, a real estateprofessional in Dallas, told HomeLight. “But when every room’s a different color … that’scheap to fix with paint.” More than half of real estate professionals surveyed byHomeLight said they advise sellers to paint their interiors before listing. Some of themost popular colors: Sherwin-Williams Agreeable Gray and Benjamin Moore’s ReverePewter.
2. Keep flooring consistent
To install carpet: $789 to $2,794
To install hardwood floors: $2,493 to $6,754
To install vinyl floors: $800 to $2,900
Real estate pros may be more likely to recommendthis house project if the home has several different kinds of flooring throughout. A moreuniform flooring look—one or two types—can be more appealing to buyers. Real estatepros say that many buyers may expect hardwood floors or premium vinyl. But not allcarpeting has to go. However, many real estate pros do suggest removing any datedcarpet, like those in bright colors, as well as any stained or worn carpet.
3. Brighten the kitchen
Average project cost: $382 to $1,064 (depending on equipment and labor); $2to $20 per piece of hardware
White-colored kitchens remain the most popular. They can brighten the look of the space.“What the buyers are looking for today is white and clean—they just want clean,” Harrisontold HomeLight. “It doesn’t have to be stark white. But they just want a clean palette.”
Dated kitchen cabinets can be painted by a pro for a quick fix. If the kitchen has othercolors throughout, real estate pros recommend painting the walls white to try to brightenthe space. Also, kitchen cabinets can get an upgrade with new hardware, such as handpulls.
4. Replace dated countertops and appliances
Average project cost: $40 to $100 per square foot for new countertops (dependingon material); $1,360 to $19,050 for appliances
Dated appliances and countertops can turn off buyers. If replacing the countertop,Harrison suggests a bright, monochromatic look, such as a gray or white countertopmade of granite, marble, or quartz. Butcher block countertops could be a more cost-effective option. Harrison advises against brown or multicolored granite, which she sayscan date a home. She also recommends not replacing a countertop if the rest of thekitchen has not been upgraded and is dated. New countertops will look out of place.
5. Hire a professional cleaner for your bathroom
Average project cost: $70 to $85 per hour for a professional
A thorough cleaning of the bathroom can make a big difference, and often a professionalcleaner can do the most thorough job. Pay attention to tile grout lines and any signs ofmildew.Source: “What to Remodel Before Selling Your Home: 9 Light-Lift Projects,”HomeLight.com (Nov. 1, 2021)•
Sources:
Realtor Magazine
“What to Remodel Before Selling Your Home: 9 Light-Lift Projects,”HomeLight.com (Nov. 1, 2021)
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