Quick Ways to Boost the Value of Your Home

by Mary Ann Romans | More from this Blogger

25 Feb 2009 05:13 PM

The news for reselling a home is pretty depressing. Sales of existing homes are at their lowest point since the 1996, and home values are dropping faster than ever. But sometimes you just need to sell your home, and there is nothing else to do. If you are in this situation, or if you just want to boost your home's value for a possible refinance, there are some smart moves that you can make. While redoing the kitchens and bathrooms are always a plus, they are expensive and time consuming. Instead focus on some quick tips that will pay off.

Clean everything "within an inch of its life." In other words, make sure your house would pass the white glove test. Windows should be sparkling, baseboards should be free of dust and there should be no unpleasant odors of any kind.

While you are cleaning, de-clutter whatever you can. You don't want to take it all with you when you move anyway, right? Get rid of anything personal, such as photos, collections, magnets on the fridge, piles of mail, etc.

Present a trimmed landscape. Keep bushes below the window level and nicely rounded. Get rid of anything that is dead or overgrown, and fill in any bare spots with new inexpensive plantings.

Although it can be time consuming, removing old wallpaper is a good idea. It can tell buyers that your home is outdated.

Instead of redoing the whole bathroom, make small changes, such as replacing the faucets and fixtures, and even re-grouting the tile. This can make it seem as though the bathroom is new. Nice new white caulk is also a big plus.

Replace the lighting fixtures throughout your home, especially if they are mis-matched and outdated. Keep the style of fixtures the same to make your home look updated and in great shape.

Refinish wood floors if you can because this can make a huge impact on a sale. Nice wooden floors can sell your home. If the price tag is too high for you, consider using a home polishing kit. I've had great success with this type of kit on my floors, although it doesn't compare to professional refinishing.

Mary Ann Romans writes about everything related to saving money in the Frugal Blog, creating a home in the Home Blog, caring for little ones in the Baby Blog and now relationships in the Marriage Blog. You can read more of her articles by clicking here or subscribe to the blog using the subscription box on the right.

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Learn more about Mary Ann Romans

Mary Ann Romans is a freelance writer, wife and mother of three children. She lives in Pennsylvania with her husband, the kids and a 16-pound cat.

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