One of the best parts of homeownership is the great do-it-yourself projects you can enjoy.
When it comes time to sell your home, it’s even more important to apply the DIY spirit. The more time and energy you invest – known as sweat equity – the better your odds of getting the sale you want faster.
Consider these ten projects:
- Painting the Exterior
There’s a reason “curb appeal” is so important: It’s the first impression! A coat of exterior paint is the perfect way to help prospective buyers see themselves in the home. Plus, you can tone down unusual colors. - Power Washing the Exterior
The best way to enhance your new paint job is to make sure the outside walls are clean as can be. This only takes a few hours of work and can take ten years off the apparent age of a house. Effects continue long after the average house is sold. - Manicuring the Lawn
It can be tough to maintain a lawn. In some areas, scorching heat and restricted water use lead to brown patches. In others, weeds grow like – well, weeds! Before putting your home on the market, break out the mower and hedge clippers. - Steam Cleaning the Carpets
This is vital if you have a cat or dog. Even the nicest carpets are bound to accumulate stains over time. The more of these you can remove, the better. A clean carpet is softer and more inviting. - Adding a Closet
When you add a closet, you’re really adding a bedroom. You don’t have to outfit the room with furniture, but taking a weekend to install a closet can have a big impact on your sale price. - Cleaning the Gutters
It’s important to clean gutters at least twice yearly and whenever the weather gets heavy. Still, it’s a chore that easily gets put off. When gutters clog, they can damage the roof and foundation. - Patching the Roof
Roof issues are high on the list of problems many would-be buyers are keen to walk away from. Since so many buyers get inspections, beat them to the punch by fixing leaks or weak spots. - Replacing the Windows
Broken windows not only age a house, they can make the whole neighborhood seem less desirable. Fix cosmetic damage and treat windows with coatings that reduce heat loss. - Tidying Up
Get clutter out of the way – into closets or storage – to make things easier on yourself now and the future. Buyers can envision their stuff in the space and you’ll have less to do at sale time. - Replacing Air Conditioning Filters
Washing or replacing AC filters helps to keep your ductwork functioning and improves air quality inside the house, which can be ten times worse than the air outside.
DIY projects are fun, exciting, and make a difference in your sale. Try these ten and your buyers will really be wowed by what you have to offer.
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CBR, SRES - Licensed Real Estate Salesperson
Phone: 516.849.5895 | [email protected]
As an experienced professional Neil will do the leg work, keeping you up-to-date with new listings and the various market conditions that may impact the home purchase process. Sellers can also benefit from his skills in finance, negotiation, contractual agreements, and RE marketing. Call today and allow Neil to guide you through the complexities of buying or selling your home, eliminating hassles, and stress.
Member of:
National Association of Realtors
Long Island Board of Realtors
Multiple listing service of long Island
New York State Association of Realtors