Sunday, March 17, 2024 / by Steve Ticknor
Affordable Home Improvement Projects for the Weekend Warrior
Looking to put your Havasu home on the market this spring? The months with the highest number of homes sold last year were March through July. So, we are looking at prime time right now. Therefore, if you want your home ready to show, you might want to complete many if not all of these simple and affordable home improvement projects right now.
Affordable Home Improvement Projects for the Weekend Warrior
Clean Up Inside and Out
First, how about something that costs no money? You pay for this with elbow grease. And the whole family can participate. That's general clean-up. Wash windows, window sills, baseboards, countertops, sliding glass door tracks, etc. Make sure all appliances are free of grease stains and water spots. Get rid of cobwebs. Scrub and/or vacuum the floors. Outside, make sure landscaping gets trimmed up. Power wash the sidewalks, patio, walkways, and driveway. Neatly put tools, toys, and trash bins away and out of sight.
Don't Forget the Walls
General clean-up also includes the walls. That means fixing any dings and holes. Scrub your walls down completely. Then, apply a coat of paint in a nice neutral color. You may be surprised how different your home feels after just one coat of fresh paint.
Make a Good First Impression
Another one of the affordable home improvement projects that take little time to accomplish is a front door refresher. If your door is in good condition, consider painting it. Add some new hardware (doorknocker and handle/knob). Buyers like updates like a keyless entry. Kits can be found at your local big box store. Also, make sure the doorbell is in good working order. Add a new welcome mat and replace the lightbulbs for a nice finishing touch.
Downsize Your Belongings
Downsizing accomplishes three things. First, fewer things make rooms feel much bigger. And buyers really like to see a lot of space. Second, getting rid of personal items allows a buyer to picture themselves in the space. Lastly, this gets you started early on the packing process. Go through all of the closets in the bedrooms. Keep only a week to 10 days of outfits (including shoes). Pack up the rest. Next, go through your linen closet. Pack up extra sheets, blankets, pillowcases, towels, etc. Then, hit the cupboards in the kitchen. Keep only enough bowls, plates, cups, and silverware to accommodate the people living in your home. The rest can be packed up. Additionally, keep only the cookware you need on a daily basis.
Update Finishes
Finally, bright brass fixtures went out with slouchy socks and neon sweaters in the '80s. Update your bathroom fixtures (faucet, showerhead, towel rack, etc.) with newer fixtures. Also, add new or replace old pulls and knobs on your kitchen cabinetry.
Sunstone Real Estate Group at Coldwell Banker Realty, Lake Havasu City, AZ