The Jury is Out: Agents Suggest These Updates Before Selling

Why update your home before listing it for sale?

It’s no secret that investing a little time and money into your home before you list it on the market will help you achieve top dollar for it. Whether it’s a simple touch of paint, or a full kitchen remodel, pre-listing improvements will not only help you sell your home for more but also in less time.

Every home needs some level of updates before it lists on the market, so what exactly are the top updates that agents are recommending to their clients?

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Best Updates to Make Before You Sell Your Home

There are three main categories when it comes to pre-listing improvements: basic prep, repairs, and remodels. Depending on the current condition of your home and the current condition of the market’s demand, the updates your agent will recommend will vary.

Here are some of the tried-and-true improvements you should consider before listing your home for sale:

Fresh Coat of Paint

Over the years your walls may collect scuffs and marks from everyday living. A fresh coat of paint can not only change the mood and feeling when a potential buyer walks in, but it can also clean up the look and make the whole home feel like a newly built property. Neutral color walls are always a great feature to have when selling your home as it’s the most desired color pallet.

The average cost to add a new color to your home’s walls is $5,350.

New Flooring

Flooring is another one of those wear and tear home features. There are many reasons to consider replacing the flooring in your home before listing. If the flooring is worn out and seen better days, it probably good idea to either get it refinished, in the case for hardwood flooring, or replaced altogether. Another reason to change the flooring is to get it up to date with today’s trends and styles. Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT) is a fantastic, modern option for rooms like kitchens and bathrooms.

The average cost to throw down new flooring is $11,200.

Lighting & Other Hardware

The right lighting in key areas of the home is essential to make certain rooms standout. A once dull and dim looking living room can glow with quality light fixtures to brighten up the space. Even small swaps like kitchen cabinet knobs and handles can completely transform the look and feel of the area. The best part is that lighting and hardware swaps are often extremely inexpensive yet provide an amazing return when it’s time to list.

The average cost to switch up the lights and knobs is $400.

Kitchen Refreshes

Speaking of kitchen cabinets, some kitchens may need a good refresh to include painting the cabinets, replacing the backsplash, and even changing out the countertops to give the kitchen a new color scheme.

The average cost to spruce up the cooking headquarters is $13,600.

Curb Appeal

If you don’t do anything else, you must ensure your home stands out from the rest of the housing inventory when homebuyers are scrolling through properties online. Your curb appeal should be enticing for homebuyers to want to click on and learn more.

The average cost for a little curb appeal landscaping is $500.

How to Maximize the ROI of Pre-Listing Improvements

Many homeowners ask their agents “Do we have to?” when recommended certain updates need to be made for an easy and profitable sale on the market; and yes, you do have to. Every home needs some degree of updates before you list it for sale.

Whether a small $500 job or a full six-figure remodel, your pre-listing improvement project is sure to be worth the time and money invested. Consult with your real estate agent on what updates would yield the highest return in the current market.