How to increase your property value before selling

Where money pays for itself, and where it does not.

Fix what an inspector will find

Leaks, electrical faults, a struggling air conditioner and roof problems will come up during the buyer's inspection. Dealing with them first keeps the negotiation on your terms.

Paint and clean

Fresh neutral paint and a deep clean are the highest-return jobs in most homes. They make rooms look larger and better kept, and they photograph well.

Work on the first impression

Buyers form an opinion from the street and from the first photo online. Trim the landscaping, pressure wash the drive and walkways, and make sure the front door and lighting look cared for.

Clear the rooms

Remove extra furniture and personal items so buyers can picture their own life in the space. You do not need to hire a stager for this to work.

Be careful with big remodels

A new kitchen or bathroom right before selling rarely returns its full cost. Before you spend, ask for a pricing opinion with and without the work, so the decision rests on numbers.

General information, not legal, tax or financial advice.