* Buyers usually seek the least expensive home in the best neighborhood they can afford, which means they want a home that fits in the neighborhood but is not over-improved.
* Improvements should be made so that the property looks good, but at the same time, is consistent with the neighborhood.
* The cost of these improvements should not exceed what can be made up from the sale.
* A well-cared for property is more desirable to buyers because if what they see is maintained and repaired, what they can’t see has probably also shows pride of ownership.

Basic, simple and inexpensive improvements can provide an enhanced emotional response in a potential buyer. An example could be something as small as a crack in the paint on a wall. Simply by applying some plaster and touch up paint, you eliminate what may be an unstated concern that your home was poorly maintained. If you are working with a small budget, these simple techniques will do absolute wonders:

1. The Magic of Mirrors: Mirrors can provide a greater sense of space and elegance when properly placed. Be careful not to overdo it, but when located throughout a home, each area will seem larger to the potential buyer. You may want to visit a local garage sale; you can almost always find an old mirror or two. Putting one-foot square mirrors on a closet door in the master bedroom is also an attractive touch.

2. Adding Additional Closet Space: One of the biggest complaints heard from potential buyers is that there just isn’t enough closet space. Simply purchasing an inexpensive closet organizer and installing it in any or all of your closets can make a big difference. You can also try putting a rod across one corner of a bedroom for hanging clothes, or put up a screen made from a variety of materials. The screen could match the material of the bedspread, drapes etc. The idea here is to be creative so that the ‘fake closet’ looks as though it was a part of the room.

3. Make a Bare Wall Beautiful: Wallpaper is inexpensive, quick and easy to do! The right wallpaper can brighten a room or hallway and bring it back to life. Be careful to choose something with a neutral design or pattern. Or, paint one wall a neutral but different color than the rest of the room.

4. Bring Old Floors Back to Life: Except for dirt, nothing turns off a potential buyer quicker than dull, dingy, disgusting-looking floors. Whether you have wax, wooden or tile floors, do whatever you can to make them shine again. For wax floors, either rent a floor machine and do it yourself, or if it’s in your budget, hire a professional. If you have carpet, you should either steam clean or install new carpeting. This may sound expensive, but new carpeting can add thousands of dollars to the value of your home.

5. Adding a Room Without Calling in the Contractor: This simple but seldom used technique can give a buyer the feeling there are more actual rooms in your house. Floor to ceiling room dividers are inexpensive and simple to install. When a buyer walks through your house, they will generally count the rooms in a subconscious manner. Each room will evoke an emotional response. By dividing and designing each side of your room, you create a ‘separate room’ feeling in the potential buyer. It may sound crazy, but it works! A Staging Professional and add invaluable help with this technique.

6. Clean Up the Bathroom: We’ve probably all heard that phrase a hundred times. Well, guess what? It’s still valid. Give your bathroom a face-lift if needed; fresh paint, decorative moldings, good tile grout, new designer faucets are all attractive eye catchers. And repair leaky faucets, broken fixtures, and cracked tiles. Clean, clean, clean.

7. Curb Appeal: Putting a few dollars into a new outdoor fixture, mailbox, house numbers, or decorative plants can make the house look more appealing. Painting the outside will make buyers want to see the inside, and say volumes about your Pride of Ownership. Be sure and clean up the landscaping and put away the tools and toys.

8. Light and Bright Inside Too: Check every room to see if it’s time for a new coat of paint. Make sure you use light, bright colors inside the home. You want to appeal to the largest group of people, and sticking with neutral colors will be your best bet. If you stick with off-white and beige colors indoors, the rooms will look bigger and brighter. You may also want to replace some of the light fixtures. You can get really inexpensive fixtures at many places that will put more of a shine on your house. Be sure and clean all the windows and mirrors and keep them clean.

Contact your Coldwell Banker Agent for more ideas on how to make your home sell fast for the best price.