Plan to Tackle Your Winter Projects

If selling your home is on your radar in the near future and you want to maximize the upcoming spring real estate season, winter is the perfect time to tackle some indoor projects at your own pace! Most sellers wait until it’s time to sell before starting on the list below or underestimate how long some projects can take, especially number one. Getting a head start can help eliminate unnecessary stress when it’s finally time to put your home on the market.

Here are some great winter home improvement tips that can add value and help get your home market-ready:

1. Declutter: This one always takes longer than you think! Whether you have been in your home for a few years or fifty years, we all collect things we don’t need and store them away in attics, basements, and other creative places. Get rid of furniture pieces you won’t need in your next home. Donate or sell old clothing, shoes, and accessories. When it comes time to sell, think: less is more!
2. Painting: This does not necessarily mean you have to paint your entire house, but touch-ups are easy to do on trim and walls that have seen some wear over time. If your walls are bright, vibrant colors or have a very specific design, changing them to a more neutral color and style can appeal to a wider range of buyers. A few cans of fresh paint are a relatively low-cost way to instantly spruce up your home.
3. Fix the Little Things: We all have that one door that squeaks in our home, and winter is the perfect time to tackle it as a weekend project. Loose handles, broken outlet covers, loose cabinet doors, burnt-out bulbs, and other small items are low-cost and easy to fix, but they can make a much better impression on a future buyer.
4. Lighting: Older light fixtures can make an entire room look dated, and they are often easy to replace. Start with the rooms that get the most use, such as the kitchen, family room, living room, bathroom, and bedrooms. Also, if your home has outdoor lights at the entrance or around the property, replacing those can increase your curb appeal as well. First impressions matter!
5. Make a Game Plan for Spring Cleanup and Landscaping: Start with the front of the house, as curb appeal is very important. How you set the stage on the outside of your home can shape a buyer’s expectations for what they will find inside. Fall leaves should be cleaned up and removed, and any broken trees or branches should be picked up as well.

These are just a few tips to help get your home ready for the market, but every home is unique, especially in New England! It’s always a good idea to meet with a real estate professional to create a customized plan for your home.