6 Simple Upgrades Before Selling

by | May 31, 2018 | Real Estate

Many who plan to sell their home or commercial property are loath to invest much money in sprucing up space. However, the New York Times recently published an article suggesting a variety of simple changes to make a space more aesthetically pleasing and/or habitable without breaking the bank. These tips are cosmetic in nature, but can make a difference if you plan to have your property stand out and potentially net a higher price.

Six easy upgrades

  • Install new cabinet handles: These can be old (in a bad way), broken or just plain ugly. Pick new ones to create an updated or more aesthetically pleasing look. Often this can be done in less than an hour.
  • Upgrade the lighting: Ceiling mount fixtures are often universal, so it can be a matter of switching out one fixture for another.
  • Change light switches and plates: This is also quite easy and should be done if the new space is getting painted. A dimmer switch is a nice touch and a stylish faceplate (or at least one not smudged with paint) creates a cleaner look.
  • Add trim: Adding a bit of color can change the look of the room.
  • Create a feature wall: This is a smart move if you do not want to do a complete makeover of a room. Pick one wall as a focus and put up a curtain, paint it a different color, add a shelf or in some way highlight a unique feature of the space.
  • Replace a toilet: Like a light fixture, this sounds more difficult than it is. Toilets have universal connections that are ideally easy to loosen once the water is turned off.

What happens when things go awry?

While the rehab bug can do wonders for a space, sometimes there can be trouble. It can be a minor issue like the paint color on the wall or something more major like damage to the plumbing, which in turn causes extensive water damage to the building. It is always advisable to consult with an attorney who knows real estate law here in Austin when conducting a transaction, particularly if there is a matter in dispute. They can advise you on legal obligations whether you are buying or selling.