Winter Home Upgrades

January is about new starts, fresh outlooks, and new year projects. So what projects are you planning to undertake in your home in 2023? Perhaps you're looking to upgrade or relocate this coming year, meaning it's time to start preparing your home for the market.

The remaining winter months are the perfect opportunity to tackle some home upgrades that can be done during the colder months of the year in preparation for a spring or summer sale. Here are some great ways to add value to your property this winter. 

Repaint Your Walls

A coat of neutral paint is the perfect DIY home improvement if your home is filled with unique accent walls, dated colors, or could just be freshened up. A new coat of paint can be the easiest and most cost-effective way to add value to your space. 

Here are a few things to keep in mind if you're thinking about painting your home. First, decide on a color scheme. This will set the tone for the rest of your home improvement project. Next, choose the right paint for the job. Depending on the type of paint you use, you may need to apply a primer first. Finally, don't forget to prep your surfaces before painting to help ensure that your paint job looks its best. With a little effort, painting can be a great way to improve the value of your home.

Declutter

When selling your home, remember that first impressions matter. And one of the quickest and easiest ways to make a good impression is to declutter. By decluttering your home, you make it look bigger, brighter, and more inviting. Plus, it will be easier for potential buyers to envision themselves living there. 

Start by decluttering each room, one by one. Donate or sell items you no longer need or use, and pack away other personal items you can do without for some time. Be sure to declutter storage areas like closets and cabinets so potential borrowers can actually see these spaces. After decluttering your home, you'll be amazed at the difference it makes. Not only will it look better, but it will help you sell for a higher price. 

Upgrade the lighting in your home so it shines bright!

One easy way to upgrade the look of your home is to upgrade the lighting. New lighting fixtures can add a touch of class and sophistication to any room and can also be highly functional. If you want to sell your home, upgraded lighting can also help to increase its value. Buyers are often impressed by houses outfitted with stylish and modern lighting fixtures, which can give your home a distinct advantage in the market. So, if you are looking for an easy and affordable way to improve the look of your home, upgrading the lighting is a great place to start.

Improve the air quality by adding greenery.

In the winter, when the days are shorter and the air is drier, it can be challenging to keep your home feeling fresh and comfortable. One way to brighten and promote a sense of well-being in your home is to add some greenery with live plants. If you don't have a green thumb, there are plenty of low-maintenance options, such as succulents and cacti. Plants not only make your space feel and smell fresher, but they are an excellent natural decoration when staging for sale. 

Add a statement piece such as antique furniture or artwork.

Adding a talking piece to your home is a great way to upgrade your space and make it more inviting for both you and your guests. Whether a beautiful piece of furniture or a work of art, a talking piece can add style and substance to your home. Not only will it give you something to conversation starters, but it will also help improve the styling in your home, making it more attractive and memorable to buyers. So, if you're looking for a way to add personality to your space, consider adding a unique addition to your home that will impress visitors. 

Upgrade your window coverings!

New window coverings are a quick and easy way to upgrade your home. Blinds and curtains serve an important function in regulating light and privacy, but they can also have a big impact on any space’s style. So pick a blind or curtain that suits the style of your home. Remember, when preparing to sell, with the market tends to reward neutral colors more than our personal styles. 

Add a scent to your home.

When buyers view a property, they pay attention to all their senses. Add an enticing, but not overpowering scent that makes your home smell as good as it looks!

Upgrading your home before putting it on the market can greatly increase its value and help you sell faster. But not all upgrades are created equal. So, if you're thinking of doing some work this winter in preparation for selling your house, get in touch with a real estate agent first for the best insights into which projects will pay off come sale time. The Yates Team would love to chat with you about any upcoming plans you have and offer our professional opinion on how to maximize your home’s value. Contact us today!