Budget-Friendly Upgrades To Help You Sell Your Home 

You've probably heard the expression "curb appeal" many times with regard to selling a home. The outside of your home is the first thing a potential buyer will see when they drive up to your house. That first impression is important for creating a positive or negative perception of the house even before the buyer steps inside. Here are a few things to help you prep the front of your home to convey pride of ownership.

• Make sure the grass is neatly mowed and weeds have been removed. Add a pop of color by placing flowerpots or flower plantings in the yard or on your front porch. Trim bushes and branches to allow as much natural light to filter into your home. Remove any rust, peeling paint, dents or old weatherstripping to improve the look of the doors. A more expensive option is to replace the garage doors entirely. 
• Make the house sparkle by cleaning all the windows. Rent a power washer for about $37 a day to remove any grit and grime from the exterior of the house, including the porch and windows. If need be, have the exterior trim painted by a professional or as a do-it-yourself project. A fresh coat of paint can increase the curb appeal.

Taking in the inside

Don't forget the inside of the house.

• A clean, uncluttered home is one of the first things a buyer will notice upon entering your home. It is recommended that you deep clean and make sure to clean spaces that are often overlooked during routine cleanings, such as behind the stove, on top of the refrigerator and in the basement. 
• Deodorize your home to make sure it smells clean and fresh. Replace air filters, clean vents and clean all the carpets. 
• Look for areas that could use a mini remodel. For example, paint rooms in neutral colors so that buyers can use their imaginations to picture their furnishings in the room. Worn bedding should be replaced with an inexpensive bed-in-a-bag set. If your kitchen cabinets or bathroom vanities are in need of updating and you don't want to spend the money to replace them, a coat of paint will elevate their look immediately.

Prepping your home for sale does not have to cost a small fortune. A few well-chosen, budget-conscious updates can freshen your home and bring you top dollar. Contact me for more ideas when you are ready to prepare your home for sale.