Inexpensive "fix ups" that can dramatically INCREASE your sales price by Laurel Grandle, REALTOR. Knoxville Realty for Sale

Sellers always want to know what will make their home sell for more money. Today, they want to know how to get more and get it faster, too! Then they add the caveat, "I don't want to spend much money on repairs and updates".

There are a lot of things you can do, as a seller, to increase the offers you get for your home. And many of these are very affordable.

First, make the curb appeal really stand out: Add mulch, colorful flowers, trim bushes, cut trees and limbs that are too close to the home or hide the home. Make sure the windows are clean, inside and outside, to let in more light and clean or paint the front door and maybe add a new brass or copper plate to the front door. Make sure the lock and handle on your door look new or replace them. The entry sets the tone for the showing. Add a pot or two of colorful flowers beside the front door...welcome your buyers as you would your very best friends.

A closet with NOTHING on the floor will appear one-third larger: clean out the clutter! Trim down the hangers...make the space "grow".

Consider upgrading lighting fixtures; use manufacturers maximum recommended wattage bulbs to add more light to rooms and make sure all electrical and plumbing are in good order. Replace gaskets or even faucets if necessary. CLEAN everything, including your kitchen cabinets, pantry and drawers...buyers WILL look...be ready, neat and spotless.

Add a LITTLE red to your room, colorful fresh fruit or flowers (fruit usually lasts longer), a candy dish...keep it uncluttered and elegant. DON"T decorate with something that draws so much attention that it distracts the buyers.

If you have a mirror, ceiling fan, chandelier, etc. that will NOT convey with the property, remove it from the home and replace it with a suitable substitute. Hanging a sign saying, "this does not stay" is tacky and your prized possession is probably something the prospective buyers want, too.

If your carpet is dirty, clean it. If it is worn, replace it. Carpet is not that expensive and new carpet can really dress up a home. Also I've seen some elegant cork flooring that is inexpensive, easy to keep clean and easy to install yourself. It looks great and the cork will put some "give" in the floor if you are covering a concrete slab. This is appreciated by a lot of older buyers (and smart young ones!)

Remove anything that blocks light from windows...replace heavy curtains with blinds or sheers.

NEVER cover up a defect...always fix it properly. If the ceiling is stained from an earlier leak and the area has been repaired, cover the stain with a product like KILZ and repaint the ceiling. Buyers will automatically believe there is a problem with the roof or plumbing, even though you've repaired it.

Skylights are great for letting light into rooms with no windows OR added to rooms when a porch roof "blocks" the natural light. If you have a skylight, make sure it is clean and in good repair. If there is even a hint of a leak, repair it.

Insulated windows with leaky seals can kill a sale fast. Many are warranted and most can be replaced inexpensively. Make sure your windows open and close easily and are not "cloudy" from broken seals.

If you have a specific problem or concern, please call me. I'd love to help! Laurel Grandle: 865 389 2551 or toll free: 888 966 4926.

Laurel Grandle sells homes throughout the East TN Area, including Knoxville, Karns, Farragut, Halls, Powell, Loudon County, Knox County. She specializes in Lake homes, Luxury homes, Historic homes, New Construction and is an expert at matching buyers with the right house, regardless of the area or price range, she has over 25 years of experience and has helped thousands of clients with their real estate needs.

Here is what some of her clients have said about her recently, “Laurel has an unlimited amount of patience. My family has very specific needs and she understood them and worked with us until we found the perfect home at the right price. I don’t think anyone else would have done that for us and we’ll always be thankful we found her and worked with her. She’s wonderful!” Margo

“Laurel has accommodated us on many occasions very quickly, as our schedules change all the time. She was always understanding of the time and date changes and she helped us find a great house.” Williams

“Thank you! It's wonderful having you as our agent and we both think you're a terrific person. Bob was right when he said we'd love you.” Joe

“Laurel really knows the area and the market. She didn’t waste any time…she showed us what we ask for in the location we wanted and made the whole move a very good experience for our family”. Robert

“Before we wrote an offer, Laurel did a detailed market analysis for us and discussed it with us so we understood what a fair price would be. She went over the entire contract in detail and clarified everything for us. We purchased with confidence and we’d never use anyone else IF we ever decide to sell!” Anne

Exit Realty Knoxville (each office independently owned and operated) is your number one resource for all your real estate needs, including listing, sales, referrals; our EXIT agents are committed to serving you—put us to work for you: 865 389 2551 865 690 4300

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