My Memphis Home Needs to be More Appealing to Snag a Home Buyer

The combination of a high-rate of foreclosures, qualified buyers being farer and few in between, and with record amounts of homes inventory to compete with; sellers must up the ante to convince potential homebuyers that their property offers what many want most: Top value for dollar and move in ready. If your Memphis Home needs some help, then read on.
Here are some fast inexpensive fixes that will help your home standout with homebuyers. In the past 8+ years, most new homes in our area have included items that use to be considered upgrades. Granite or hard surface counter tops, stainless steel appliances, tile, wood flooring, hand textured & finished walls, crown molding, the list goes on. For those of us selling our homes built before these construction trends, and whose homes may have Formica counter tops, painted appliances, worn carpeting, some tile, wallpaper, and other dated items, then you may need to invest some time, and possibly money to compete with homes selling with these and more upgrades.
Buff up curb appeal. You’ve heard it before, but it’s critical to get buyers to want to look on the inside. Be objective. View your home from the street. Check the condition of the landscaping, paint, roof, shutters, front door, windows, and even how window treatments look from the outside. Clean your windows inside and out, it’s well worth the time & effort. The home’s first impression is on the photo seen in the MLS and then when walking up to your front door. Knock down the cob webs and hose it down to clean it up.
Paint is cheap and an easy way to update. Don’t get too avant-garde with jarring pinks, oranges, and purples. Recommend soft colors that say welcome, and lead the eye from room to room, with flatter and neutral tones. Remove dated wallpaper that you are use to and freshen up each room.
Upgrade the kitchen and bathroom. These make-or-break rooms can spur a sale. Make each of these rooms squeaky clean and clutter-free. Update the drawer pulls, sinks, and faucets. Besides the living space and floor plan, these two rooms absolutely must stand out.
Buyers favor wood over carpet. Consider installing a wood veneer or laminate, as these are popular and less costly than more expensive styles of hardwood flooring. Replace worn vinyl kitchen floors with new updated vinyl squares or better yet, tile.
Clean out and organize closets. Start sorting and organize your piles. Donate old clothing to charity or have a yard sale. Closets must be only half-full so buyers can visualize fitting their stuff in.
Update window treatments. Buyers want light and views, not dated, fancy-schmancy drapes that darken. To diffuse light and add privacy, consider energy-efficient shades and blinds.
Hire a home inspector.
Do a preemptive strike, since busy homeowners seek maintenance-free living. Fix problems before you list the home and then display receipts and wait for buyers to offer kudos to sellers for being so responsible. It’s also a nice perk to a buyer as you may have just saved them the cost of a home inspector.