simple updates

When thinking about the easiest, most cost-efficient ways to create value in a home, start small. “For sellers that want to take on a project before listing their home for sale, I always have them think it through,” says Carmelo Paglialunga, Co-Owner of milehimodern. “You never know what will resonate with a potential buyer. Before diving into a huge renovation, start with a deep clean, fresh paint and fantastic staging.”

The first step of this process is to deep clean the entire home, especially high-traffic areas such as the living spaces, kitchen areas and mudrooms. Freshly steamed carpets, gleaming windows and scoured tile finishes make an immediate impact on potential buyers by allowing them to focus on the home’s features rather than normal wear and tear. General handyman tasks, such as light fixture installation and light carpentry, should be considered in this phase as well.

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Once the cleaning is complete, sellers and brokers can identify which areas may need a fresh coat of paint. Ideally, the home will have a cohesive color story throughout — think neutrals, like greige and warm whites, that allow potential buyers to see the possibility.

get the most out of watering

For backyards big and small, it may not be how much water is being used, but rather the time and the methods. Basic hose sprinklers may not provide full-coverage watering and often create runoff when used excessively. Well-thought-out irrigation systems are necessary for hassle-free watering that minimizes water waste. Utilize a drip system that penetrates the soil directly rather than a sprinkler that can cause much of the water to evaporate. Recurring maintenance on irrigation systems ensures that there are no spikes in water usage from leaks.

The timing of watering is just as crucial as the method. Turning the sprinklers on between the hours of 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. (when the sun is at its hottest) is a lost cause for thirsty gardens. Instead, opt for early morning watering to reduce evaporation, runoff and wilting.

extensive updates

A whole-house renovation may not provide an immediate return on investment for sellers looking to sell their homes quickly, but there are a few key areas that will provide added value without demolishing down to the studs.

“The two areas that sell a home more than anything are the kitchen and the primary bathroom,” continues Paglialunga. “If homeowners can nail those two spaces, they will always get the ROI.”

With this in mind, Paglialunga warns that “going too flashy” in these spaces will have the opposite effect. “Buyers may not see the appeal in a particularly bold renovation, despite the amount that sellers have invested.”

Still, buyers will typically perceive a kitchen with updated cabinetry, stainless steel appliances and generous counter space as more valuable than a kitchen with surface-level improvements. Sellers should consult with their brokers to determine whether vanity enhancements or a full renovation is appropriate for their goals.