If you’re planning on putting your home on the market, of course, you’ll want to sell for as much as possible. But how do you do this without breaking the bank on extensive renovations? What changes can you make to better influence buyers? If these questions are weighing on your mind, take a look at these easy and inexpensive tips for sprucing up your home below!

1. Make a Great FIRST Impression 

The interior of your home could look amazing, but as potential buyers pull up to your home, the first thing they will see is the exterior. Cut the grass, trim the bushes, weed the garden, and dead-head the flowers. If your landscaping doesn’t have much for shrubs or flowers, add some! You can usually expect a great return on the money you invest into simple curb appeal. If you’re selling in the winter, make sure to keep all sidewalks and driveways clear of ice and snow. Once your exterior is pristine, make sure to follow through with some of these tips for the entryway. Move the ugly shoe rack and shoes into the front closet and vacuum the front area rug. If your entryway is big enough, place a small table near the door with a vase and bright flowers. This is a welcoming touch to awaken the senses.

2. Focus on the Kitchen

The kitchen is the most important room in your house. It is also where you’ll get the biggest bang for your buck!  You will typically be able to recoup 85% or more return on your investment in the kitchen. If your countertops and cabinets are dated, you may want to consider replacing or even re‑finishing them (if you’re into DIY). Replace that worn, old sink and faucet with a shiny new one. If your appliances are old, consider replacing just the fridge or stove with a high-end version. Buyers will think that if one appliance is expensive, they all are.

3. Add Some Fresh Paint 

It’s amazing what a fresh coat of paint can do to brighten up your home and attract serious buyers. But don’t go crazy with the colour! A neutral tone is always the best way to go. Potential buyers will be better able to envision their own style on a blank canvas. Painting an accent wall in the master bedroom or great room is an eye-catching statement that will leave a lasting impression on potential buyers.

4. Less is More

Put all small appliances that are sitting on your kitchen counter away. This will allow for more counter space and make the kitchen feel larger. In addition, you will want to remove all fridge magnets, anything personal like family photos, memorabilia collections, and keepsakes. Buyers want to imagine themselves living there, so the fewer personal items you have, the better. If your coffee table is full of odds & ends (yes, we all have them), books, or magazines, put them away. Clutter creates a small, unattractive space. Storage is something every buyer can never have enough of, and too much clutter makes it look like the home doesn’t have enough storage.

5. Pretty It Up

Like a great outfit, jewelry is the final touch that can elevate any look. The same goes for your home! Fresh-cut flowers or even their synthetic counterparts will create a feeling of cleanliness. Change out the hardware on your cabinets and drawers if they are tarnished or dated, but remember to stay consistent. New light fixtures are also an inexpensive upgrade that goes a long way. Add some accent pillows or a cozy throw to your couch. These small touches can go a long way as well.

Re-arrange or get rid of crammed-in furniture. By doing this, you’ll be able to showcase the floor plan and maximize the use of space. Creating more open space or choosing future that fits will give the feeling that your home is larger than it is.

6. Clean up, fix up! 

When selling your home, you want to make it feel as though it is brand new to the potential buyers. You should always be ready to show your home. Try not to leave dirty dishes in the sink, as buyers will want to tour the kitchen. Seeing a messy home will give them a bad impression. This goes for bathrooms as well. Keep toilets sparkling and clean. You may think everyone should be a dog or cat lover, but your potential buyer may not be. Vacuum all the hair, and move the food bowls and pet beds out of sight.

Remember that flickering light bulb or squeaky door you learned to live with? Although it may seem like a small issue to you, potential buyers can get a sour impression. No matter the age of the home, you want it to look and feel as new as possible. Simple fixes like replacing all broken light bulbs go a long way. If you have a closet door constantly falling off its track, it is time to fix it. Your potential buyers will want to open every closet, and a wrong first impression with a door that falls off as they touch it is not appealing. If you don’t address these repairs, you risk a potential buyer walking away when problems arise. Even the most minor details can give a potential buyer the idea that other areas of the home could have been neglected as well.

Whether your home is 5 or 20 years old, you don’t need to over-upgrade to get the best price for your home. Instead, follow these simple tips that will help you get top dollar!