Inexpensive Tips to Prep Your Home for Sale

Selling your home on a tight budget may mean that you can't spend too much cash on staging it so that it is appealing to buyers. That doesn't mean there is nothing that you can do, though. The following are several inexpensive and relatively simple things that you can do to make your home more attractive to house hunters.

Tip #1: Lead with the nose

A pleasant and homey scent goes a long way to making potential buyers feel instantly welcomed. The best scents are those created naturally. If you have the knowledge and the urge, consider baking bread or cookies on days that there are showings scheduled. Another options is to simmer a pot of cinnamon sticks and orange peels for a pleasant scent. In a pinch you can use essential oil warmers, just avoid some of the cheaper oils because they don't smell as pleasant.

Tip #2: Focus on the foyer

One of the first impressions of your home is the foyer or entrance way. If you have a tight budget, this is one of the main places to invest. A new entrance rug, fresh paint on the walls, and pot of bright flowers create a welcoming entrance. At a bare minimum, make sure the entrance way is kept perfectly clean so that your first impression counts.

Tip #3: Creative curb appeal

Curb appeal is another important aspect of drawing in buyers. Brightly colored flowers can go a long way toward distracting from minor landscaping problems. If you have time and a green thumb, the cheapest option is to grow annual flowers from seed. If you have shorter notice, purchase six packs of inexpensive annuals, such as pansies. You can fill garden beds and planters with these flowers. If you are short on pots, spray paint mismatched pots or large containers, such as plastic ice cream tubs, empty paint cans, or five gallon buckets, complementary colors.

Tip #4: Scrub it down

What you can't do in terms of upgrading you can still improve with a thorough cleaning. Make sure every tile, light fixture, and appliance is scrubbed down and sparkling. Move out everything that you can live without during the selling process so that the home is uncluttered and appears spacious. Invest in a thorough carpet cleaning, and toss inexpensive slipcovers over furniture that looks dingy. A clean, brightly lit home can overcome a lack of expensive staging.

For more help, contact a real estate agent in your area.