Are you hoping to get top dollar for your home—and make a quick, efficient sale? Improving your property can help you achieve these goals, but it’s hard to know which repairs and upgrades are worth your time. Being strategic is key. By knowing what buyers are looking for, you can maximize the return on your efforts for a more successful result.

If you’re gearing up to put your home on the market, here are five upgrades you should consider…

1) Repaint your walls

Repainting the walls is a simple way to instantly freshen up your living space. For the cost of a few cans of paint, you can significantly improve the look and feel of your home. While studies show that buyers prefer neutral shades, that doesn’t have to mean beige. Opting for a warm (yet subdued) hue can help you create a homey aesthetic with wide appeal. Consider colours such as blue-grey or cream.

2) Refinish kitchen cabinets

The kitchen is the heart of the home, and cabinets are the first thing that buyers see when they walk into this all-important room. If yours are outdated, it’s bound to make a bad impression. Fortunately, there are several ways to overhaul them without paying an arm and a leg. Instead of doing a full-on replacement, consider repainting or refacing your cabinets—or even taking the simple step of swapping in modern knobs or handles.

3) Make exterior improvements

The first thing buyers see when they drive by your home is its exterior. That’s why it’s so important to make the right impression. Curb appeal is a big part of the equation. Spruce up your entranceway with a few key embellishments (such as a planter full of flowers or new address numbers), and make sure that your lawn is in top form. If your garage door or siding have seen better days, think about replacing or repainting them.

4) Optimize your lighting

Proper lighting makes a home feel ultra-cozy while highlighting it’s most beautiful aspects. The first step is opting for bright, white LED bulbs, which illuminate your living space while casting a warm glow. Depending on your budget, you might also want to talk to a lighting designer. A qualified expert can help you combine ambient, accent, and task lighting in just the right way.

5) Redo dingy grout

Few things are as unattractive to home buyers as dirty or worn-out bathroom grout. Fortunately, redoing it doesn’t have to be a major hassle—though it may require you to buy a few basic tools and materials. To determine the best replacement method, talk to an expert at your local home-improvement store. When you’re done, your shower or tile floor will look cleaner, newer, and more appealing.

Getting ready to sell your home? Get in touch—we know what buyers are looking for, and we can help you get your home in tip-top shape!