Declare war on dust, repair squeaks, the light switch that doesn’t work and the tiny crack in the bathroom mirror. These can be deal-killers for prospective buyers! Remember, you’re not just competing with other resale homes, but brand-new homes as well.

 

• Odours Must Go!
 

You may not realize but odd smells like traces of food, pets and smoking odours can kill deals quickly. Be sure that food is stored away and any outstanding smells such as sitting garbage are gotten rid of. Essential oils and candle lighting, refreshing sprays and potpourri are great ways to bring about pleasant aromas.

 

• Paint, Paint, Paint
 

One of the simplest, most cost-effective improvements of all is paint! Freshly painted rooms look clean and updated — and that spells value. When selecting paint colours, keep in mind that neutrals appeal to the greatest number ofpeople, thereby making your home more desirable. On average, a gallon of paint costs around $25, leaving you plenty of money to buy rollers, painter's tape, drop cloths and brushes. So buy a few gallons and get busy!

 

 

• Visually Increase Your Home's Square Footage
 

The size of your home dramatically affects the value, but square footage isn't the only space that counts. Visual space or how large a home feels also counts. Replace heavy closed draperies with vertical blinds or shutters to let light in as sun-lit rooms feels larger and more open. Add a single large mirror to a room to visually double the space. Finally, clear the clutter. For less than $400, add an attractive shelving unit to an underused space and store your clutter out of sight.

 

 

• Small Bathroom Updates Equal a Big Return
 

Bathroom updates are always a smart move. Even if you can't afford a full remodel, small changes such as replacing dated wallpaper with a faux or textured finish and replacing old lighting will update the room without denting your wallet.Go granite or marble with your countertops! If you are toying with the granite idea, your bathroom counter is most likely smaller than your kitchen counter and less expensive. This is a great place to start your first granite project.

 

 

The same rule applies in the kitchen. You don't have to start from scratch to create a winning recipe. For maximizing your home's value, kitchen updates are key. Start by swapping out just one item, such as a stained sink or ancient microwave for shiny new stainless models. Even small kitchen updates such as repainting cabinets will add big value to your home.

 

 

 

Shrubs and colourful plants will add curb appeal to any home, but when shopping at your local garden centre, make sure that you "think green”. Purchase plants that are native to your region or plants that are drought-tolerant; these require less water and maintenance, which means more savings to you and more green in your wallet for less work! 

 

Overgrown lawns and outsized bushes will cause your home to stand out — in a bad way. The good news is that taming your jungle is an easy fix. For a few hundred dollars, hire a lawn service company to trim your lawn and shape yourhedges. Your curb appeal will go from messy to maintained without blowing your budget.