If you hoping to sell your house, you’re probably well aware that it’s not going to be easy in today’s buyer’s market. But top real estate agents and home stagers will tell you that a little curb appeal and a few renovations will improve your chances of selling your house faster. Don’t worry, you don’t have to drain your bank accounts gutting your kitchen and master bath because even a few little touch-ups, which do double duty by being eco-friendly, can have a big impact. John Wilcox, a Southern California based realtor and certified EcoBroker helped us nail down five budget-friendly refreshers.
1. Declutter
Ask any real estate agent – a messy house is difficult to sell. Clean out as much of the clutter as you can. Go through your house and closets weeding out unnecessary stuff. If you can, start packing and take the boxes out of the house to a storage space or your new place. The fewer things in your home, the bigger it and your closets will appear. Instead of tossing old stuff, make sure to donate or sell and trade to give your discarded possessions a new life outside of the landfill.
2. Paint
Wilcox says there’s no better bang for your buck than a fresh coat of paint for the interior and exterior of your home. Go for a low or zero-VOC paint, of course, and stick to neutral colors that will be universally appealing.
3. Add Green
Both inside and out, extra greenery can make your home look fresh and more livable. A few new plants, a layer of mulch and a couple of pots on the porch will improve your curb appeal. If you’ve already moved out, choose drought tolerant plants that can last without regular watering and care.
4. Rip Up Carpets
Wall-to-wall carpeting is not only out-of-style, it’s usually synthetic and a trap for pollutants, toxins and dirt. Many buyers don’t want their kids crawling on someone else’s carpet. If you take it out you can replace it with eco-friendly flooring made of FSC-certified wood, cork or bamboo.
5. Check Your Bulbs
A bright home is an appealing home and there are simply no excuses for showing a house with any burned-out bulbs. Before you have your first walk through check all your fixtures and lamps to make sure they’re as bright as they can be. If you need to change bulbs, replace them with LEDs or CFLs.
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