Knowing what to spend money on when selling your house in Kansas City can make a significant difference in both the sale price and the speed of the transaction. It’s not just about making your home look appealing; it’s about strategic enhancements that boost its value and attract serious buyers. In this guide, we’ll explore the key areas where your investment can have the most impact. From essential repairs to aesthetic upgrades, we’ll help you understand how to allocate your resources wisely to make your Kansas City home stand out in the market. Whether you’re working with a tight budget or have some room for bigger improvements, these tips will assist you in making informed decisions that pay off in the long run.
Curb Appeal
Many people decide whether or not they will buy a house within the first few seconds of seeing it. Subconsciously, that first impression buyers receive is critical. You need to convey a feeling of warmth, making them feel at home from the minute they pull into the driveway. Spend money fixing up the landscaping and replacing things like the mailbox, address numbers, and front door. You will have to keep up with mowing the lawn and other landscaping needs. Each person who views the house should see a well-groomed front yard.
New Interior Fixtures
New fixtures are a great way to add more value to your house. Replace things like door handles, faucets, drawer pulls and cupboard hinges. You will want to properly budget for this as you might need more new doorknobs than you think!
Define Spaces
Transform the spare bedroom into a clearly defined space. Instead of presenting it as a multi-purpose room – a combination of a bedroom, gym, and office – choose a singular function that resonates most with your home’s overall theme. A room with a mixed identity can subconsciously create confusion for potential buyers. If the room serves better as an office, consider removing the bed and adding appropriate office furniture. Alternatively, if its primary use is as a guest bedroom, ensure the decor and furnishings reflect this singular purpose. The key is to establish a clear and inviting function for the room, making it easier for buyers to envision how they can utilize the space in their daily lives.
Spruce Up The Entryway
First impressions are crucial in setting the tone for a potential buyer’s experience. The moment they step through the door, it’s essential that they are greeted with a welcoming and positive ambiance. Dedicate effort to enhancing the entryway, ensuring it’s not only clean but also inviting. Consider adding a stylish yet functional side table, complemented by tasteful artwork or a mirror to create a sense of space and light. A vase of fresh flowers can add a touch of warmth and life to the area. However, it’s important to strike a balance in your decor choices. Avoid overcrowding the space or using overly trendy items, as these can be off-putting to some buyers. The goal is to create an entryway that feels like a natural, welcoming introduction to your home, leaving a lasting and positive first impression.
New Floors
Professional carpet cleaning can certainly rejuvenate your home’s floors, but severely worn or stained carpets can still be a major deterrent for potential buyers. If your carpets show significant signs of wear and tear, consider replacing them altogether. In cases where the carpet is beyond redemption, opting for an affordable laminate flooring can be a more effective solution. This not only eliminates any concerns about carpet condition but also modernizes the look of your home. Installing new flooring, whether it’s laminate or another material, can transform the entire feel of your house. It creates a fresh, clean foundation that makes every room appear newer and more inviting. This kind of update can be particularly impactful in creating a positive impression on buyers, as it demonstrates a well-maintained and updated property.
Paint
Paint can do a lot to improve the feel and the value if your home. You can paint on your own, but that doesn’t mean you should. A poor paint job will be very noticeable to buyers looking at your house. First you want to repair any damaged areas on the walls. Pick out some popular neutral colored paint and spend the money to hire a professional to paint interior of your home. Be sure to budget $4K-5K for an average 1500 sq ft house in Kansas City.
Staging & Storage
You may consider hiring a professional staging company while the house is on the market. This will allow you to pack up your personal items and store them at an offsite facility. Keep only your necessities at the house, allowing the rest of it to be taken care of by a professional. If it’s not in your budget to do the whole house, focus on having a few of the main rooms done. You will still want to remove your personal items during property showings. By storing them offsite, potential buyers won’t be faced with all your stuff you tried to hide in the closet!
Before you spend money making repairs to the house and doing some of these things to spruce it up, consider what selling directly could mean for your situation! With a direct sale, there is zero cost to you! Plus, there aren’t any agent commissions!