Blog Bradley Associates

Find out easy inside tips and advice from our expertise and experience to help you get ahead

1. Apply a fresh coat of paint. 

Time and time again realtors stress that a fresh coat of paint is the easiest way to increase the value of your home. That said, a bright purple room may be off-putting to potential buyers. Go for neutral tones like beige or muted green with simple white baseboards to appeal to a wide range of buyers.

  • If you are on a budget then paint the most commonly used rooms first, like the kitchen, living room, and main bathroom.
  • Avoid both bright colours like pink or yellow and dark shades like navy or chocolate brown, as these are polarizing choices for certain buyers.

2. Remove any wallpaper and replace it with paint. 

Wallpaper is a big turn-off for potential buyers because it is a hassle to remove if they don’t like it. Stick to neutral paint colours to get the maximum value for your house.

  • Some wallpaper, especially in small rooms, can be effective if chosen correctly. Stick to calm, simple patterns over big and bold images.

3. Let in the light. 

A 2007 HomeGain survey found that lighting was the number one thing potential buyers used to separate good homes from great ones. You can add attractive lighting in a variety of ways:

  • Install mood-enhancing dimmer switches.
  • Put in a skylight or sun tubes (glass holes in the roof that allow in sunlight) to bring light in naturally.
  • Remove large and stuffy curtains.
  • Replace old light bulbs with energy-efficient LEDs for a clean, modern look without breaking the bank.

4. Invest in new appliances. 

A new oven, washing machine, or fridge tells a buyer that the home is up-to-date. Old appliances, however, can signal that your home is in need of costly repairs or improvements, lowering value. Buy one new appliance if you can’t afford multiple. Having one shiny, high-end appliance like a dishwasher gives the impression that all of your appliances are high end.

  • However, a new stainless steel oven will look odd if the rest of the appliances nearby in are worn, retro styles.
  • If you are on a budget, look up new “faces” for your appliances. Often the front plate of an oven or dishwasher can be removed and replaced with a new one if you call your manufacturer and ask for a replacement.

5. Pay attention to the little things. 

Even the smallest, cheapest fixes can make your home sparkle and sell for more. Switch out the shower curtain for a clean glass shower door. The more question marks you eliminate for potential buyers the more likely you are to sell your house for the right price. Some quick fixes include:

  • New rug for the entryway.
  • New lighting fixtures.
  • New faucets and handles.
  • Clean and re-grout tiles in the kitchen and bathroom 
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