Simple tricks homeowners are using to add thousands to properties

Daily Mail​

8 hours ago

New York real estate broker Jay Batra, owner of Batra Real Estate, revealed simple yet effective tips and tricks that will significantly increase your property's value. He offers zero-cost fixes, staging secrets and details on upgrades worth the investment in an exclusive interview with the Daily Mail. Tasks like decluttering your space and simply opening up the blinds could instantly boost your property's appeal to buyers. 'Making sure the bed is made - that's very simple,' Batra told the Daily Mail. 'But some of these little things really help.'
From capitalizing on the natural light your space offers to trimming the hedges and covering up that lingering pet odor - you may not smell it anymore, but trust us, visitors do - these budget-friendly tips are anything but overwhelming. Messing around with details can make all the difference in how buyers perceive your home. And, he adds, these simple changes can make the difference between a quick sale at asking price and a property that sits on the market. Plus, the payoff is massive as it often doesn't have to cost you anything at all. Here are Batra's 10 must-dos for you to accomplish before your next showing.
1. Declutter ruthlessly
2. Upgrade kitchen and bathroom appliances
Upgrading the equipment and appliances in your kitchen and bathrooms is a must, according to Batra. He calls these the most important investment rooms in the home. 'It could be as simple as updating to stainless steel appliances,' Batra said. This one might feel like a little more of a financial lift than the other tips, but it 'makes a significant difference,' he added. 'If you're trying to go for top dollar [on your sale], you want to put money in the kitchen and bathroom. 'You'll definitely get paid back a lot more.'
3. Maximize natural light
Natural light is crucial, Batra said. To really take advantage of all your home has to offer, he recommends opening all blinds and curtains before showings. 'A lot of homeowners leave their blinds down or the blinds are broken, curtains are hanging loose - it just looks sloppy,' Batra said. 'Make sure there's light coming in.'
4. Make beds and tidy up
Things as simple as making the bed before a showing can increase a home's value. 'Keeping everything tidy and clean shows buyers the home is well-maintained,' Batra said, which is a great selling point that you can't necessarily portray through numbers on a pamphlet. First impressions matter.
5. Groom pets and eliminate odors
Even though you're not selling your pet with your home, you should remember to have them groomed before a showing. It's also important to make sure they have not left behind any mess around the home such as hair, stains or odors.
6. Limit people in the home during viewings
An excessive amount of family members at a viewing is not appealing to buyers. 'No more than one person if the owners have to be present,' Batra explained. 'Ideally it should just be the broker and client, not the whole family.' Too many people can make a buyer uncomfortable as they're evaluating someone's home with those who created it right in front of them.
7. Landscape appeal
8. Turn on all lights for evening viewings
Lighting is important, regardless of the time of day you're showing your home. 'If you show the house at nighttime, make sure that all the lights are turned on,' Batra said. Good lighting creates a warm, welcoming atmosphere, making potential buyers feel at home.
9. Install a washer and dryer
Laundry machines can significantly increase property values - especially in New York City where it's more of a rarity. 'In New York apartments, that's like a huge luxury,' said Batra. 'People will pay a lot of money to have that.' This everyday appliance is sometimes thought of as an amenity, and is especially valuable in urban markets.
10. Ensure there are both shower and bathtub options
Making sure your home has both a shower and a bath should be a priority - if you can't have both separately, it's smart to combine them. 'If you have two bathrooms and one has a shower while another has a bathtub, that's ideal,' Batra suggested. Having both options appeals to different buyer preferences.
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