Preparing to sell your home in Portland this year? Here are three simple and steadfast ways to increase your sales price by improving your home's appeal to buyers.
One: Paint. A buyer's favorite smell at an open house is not fresh baked cookies, it's fresh paint! Before you place your home on the market I
strongly encourage you to give your walls a fresh coat of paint. Buyers appreciate this update because a fresh coat of paint in a popular color makes the transition into the home that much more simple. "According to an Opendoor survey, 36 percent of homeowners say that painting the interior of one's home is the most important home improvement project." What color would I recommend? White! White is a trending color that pairs well with many types of homes and decor choices. When in doubt paint it white! I personally like White Dove by Benjamin Moore. It is warm and pairs well with almost all wood tones and decor colors.
Two: Lighting. Updating your light fixtures, especially in your formal rooms or gathering spaces will quickly elevate your home's appeal to buyers. Swapping out a chandelier or pendant light or even plugging in a lamp you can swag over a table can truly transform a space. They don't call it "mood lighting" for nothing. Set the mood! Tell your buyers this house is chic and in style! You will be surprised at the stylish lighting you can purchase for under $300 online or at a big box store. Hot tip: As a general rule of thumb, hang your pendant between 30”- 36” above the tabletop. Don't know what new fixture to purchase? Ask your realtor! I have advised many clients on what is in style and what updates buyers care most about.
Three: Curb Appeal. Our local MLS requires that the first picture of a home listed must be an exterior picture. This means the first impression a buyer will have of your home is its curb appeal! According to a study performed by the Neilson Norman Group, you have approximately 10 seconds to grab the attention of a potential prospect while shopping online. Make it count!
While the outside of one's home never tells the whole story - it accounts for a large amount of perceived value for a buyer. My top simple updates to a home exterior when preparing to sell are new bark dust, exterior power wash, paint touch-ups, and fresh flowers in a pot or garden bed in the front of the home.
I have been a Realtor in Portland for over a decade and I can tell you these three things always get the largest reactions from buyers. Make these simple and inexpensive updates to your home before placing it on the market to ensure your home sells for more!
This blog post was written by Barb Carbone, Local Portland Real Estate Expert. Want to know more? Hit the Contact button at the top of the page! Thanks for stopping by!
