Easy, Inexpensive Ways to Prepare to Sell Your Destin Home

If you are a homeowner preparing your home for sale in Destin, you’ll want to maximize its value to potential buyers without spending a lot of money in the process. It is a great time for real estate sales in Destin, South Walton and along Hwy 30A. Bob Vila, the guru of all things home related, offers these suggestions:
 
Deep Clean
It almost seems too simple and obvious to matter, but the truth is that your home’s cleanliness is extremely important to potential buyers. Go beyond the basics, and wash walls, baseboards, cabinets, blinds and windows, steam clean rugs and carpets, and replace any broken windows or screens. Hire professional cleaners, if necessary.  
                               
Outside, Too
Don’t forget the exterior of your home. Power washing your homes brick or siding, and surrounding porches, sidewalks and driveways and decks can really increase its curb appeal, drawing buyers inside. Power washers can be rented from most local hardware or big box home supply stores. 
 
Update the Kitchen
Although a complete remodel can be pricey, little touches can make a difference. For dated cabinets, a coat of paint or even new hardware can make a noticeable difference.
 
Paint The Walls
Though it can be fun to be bold with color, the truth is that with very rare exception, neutral tones appeal to buyers. Though white may be too neutral, beige, taupe and even grey tones provide a nice, neutral backdrop for potential buyers to imagine their own furnishings in.
 
Lighten Up
Just as new cabinet hardware can update a kitchen, new light switch and outlet covers can update a room. Is the room’s trim painted white? Make sure the covers are white, also. And dimmer switches can be a nice touch in places like the dining room, an upgrade it’s probably best to hire a professional electrician to handle. 
 
Don’t Forget the Yard
You don’t have to completely redo your landscaping, but do prune those bushes and trees, weed the garden and patch those bare spots in the lawn. Potted plants at your home’s entry provide a welcoming look, drawing buyers in. 
 
Exterior Doors
Speaking of entry, now that they’ve been power sprayed clean, note the condition of your home’s exterior doors. Do your front door or garage doors need paint, repair, or even replacement? If replacement is cost prohibitive, consider updating the hardware. 
 
Hidden Hardwood Floors
Buyers love hardwood floors, and many homes are hiding this desirable feature under carpeting. If you are unsure whether yours is, pull up a small corner of carpet in an inconspicuous area to check the condition of the floor. Even if those floors need refinishing, it’s an investment easily returned in your home’s increased value. 
 
An Experienced Realtor
Of course, the best investment you can make when selling your home is in the selection of an experienced Realtor with local market knowledge. Newman-Dailey’s team of South Walton and Destin real estate agents have decades of combined experience and can provide valuable advice to get your home or condo sold quickly and at top price. Contact one today for a free consultation by calling 1-800-225-7652.
 
See you @ the beach!
 
Pictured above: The welcoming entry of 107 Rue Caribein the beachfront community of Caribe in South Walton.