I love walking into a new project and finding small ways to help homeowners make more money when they sell.  There are several some times less obvious home updates that you can make, and here I’ll share my top three.  You don’t necessarily have to break the bank to make these changes, and the returns can more than pay off, with a faster sale, and a higher selling price.

1.  Get rid of those old, worn out switch plate covers.  Switch plate covers are those typically overlooked things that cover all of your electrical outlets and switches, which means they show up in every room.  As buyers walk through, old covers make the house feel a little more worn and dated than it really is.  Covers can be replaced very inexpensively and will make a big difference to the overall look and feel of the house.

2.  Swap out outdated light fixtures for a more contemporary style.  The right lighting in a property may seem small, but it’s critical to setting the stage for buyers to fall in love.  I like to update old fixtures that don’t fit the style or period of the home to create a very specific feeling in every space of a property.  For example, a chandelier, even a modest one, can make a bedroom feel like an elegant retreat at the end of a long day.  I don’t know anyone who doesn’t want to come home to a retreat every day.

3.  Replace or Upgrade the kitchen countertops.  We all know the old adage…kitchens and baths sell homes.  Well not just any kitchen or bath.  For many people, the kitchen is where they will spend the most time with family and friends.  This means that an ugly, uninviting kitchen won’t do anything to get you a faster sale, and make you more money.  Even in an inexpensive home with old laminate countertops, simply upgrading the laminate to one of the more contemporary styles, like granite or marble, can make a world of difference to the feel of the kitchen.  I’ve done this in smaller projects, with great results…translation…a fast sale, at top dollar!

The next time you are selling a property, go through this quick check list.  I guarantee buyers will be more impressed and you’ll get more offers.