Small changes and improvements can make you thousands

How To Sell Your Home For More Money. Chapter 1:

Small changes and improvements can make you thousands

Your guide to getting the most out of your home sale.

By Steve Schappert

The book when completed will have 12 chapters. This is chapter 1. I hope you find it helpful.

How making small changes and improvements can make you thousands.
How much more can staging get you?
Using curb appeal to sell your home
Neutralize your house
Decluttering your house
Staging your kitchen to attract more buyers
Staging your bathrooms for “show & sell.”
Primary bedroom staging
Dining area staging
Staging furniture
Staging solutions & options
The importance of good pictures
Repairs & touch ups to improve value
How to deal with children and animals when staging
Wrap -up

Chapter 1.

How making small changes and improvements in your home before putting it on the market can make you thousands.

Making small changes and improvements to your home before putting it on the market can indeed make a significant difference in its sale price. There is no need to get crazy with construction and renovation most of the time.

The most profitable solution is to clean it, fix it, paint it, landscape it,

do an energy audit, stage it and price it right the first time.

These changes can help attract more potential buyers and create a more favorable impression, ultimately leading to higher offers. Here are some ways in which small changes can potentially add value and make you thousands:

Curb appeal: Enhancing the exterior of your home can make a strong first impression. Simple improvements like cleaning and landscaping, painting the front door, or adding outdoor lighting can significantly improve curb appeal and make your home more inviting.
Fresh paint: Applying a fresh coat of paint can do wonders for a home’s appearance. Choose neutral colors that appeal to a broader range of buyers, as it allows them to envision their own style in the space.
Kitchen upgrades: The kitchen is often a focal point for buyers. Consider making small upgrades like replacing outdated fixtures, painting or refacing cabinets, installing new countertops, or updating appliances. These improvements can give the kitchen a more modern and appealing look.
Bathroom updates: Bathrooms are another area where small changes can make a big impact. Replacing outdated fixtures, updating lighting, adding a new vanity, or regrouting tiles can freshen up the space and make it more attractive to buyers.
Lighting enhancements: Adequate lighting can make a home feel more spacious and welcoming. Replace old light fixtures, add recessed lighting, or strategically place floor and table lamps to create a warm and inviting ambiance.
Flooring improvements: Replacing worn-out carpet with hardwood or laminate flooring can instantly elevate the appearance of a home. Alternatively, if the carpet is in good condition, a professional cleaning can freshen it up and remove any stains or odors.
Declutter and stage: Before listing your home, declutter and depersonalize the space to make it more appealing to potential buyers. Consider hiring a professional stager who can arrange furniture and decor to showcase the home’s best features and create an inviting atmosphere.
Energy-efficient upgrades: Investing in energy-efficient upgrades, such as installing LED lighting, a programmable thermostat, or improving insulation, can be attractive to buyers who are conscious of long-term energy savings. An energy audit is usually slightly more expensive than dirt but makes a great deal of difference in the efficiency and cost of running the home. Leave a copy of the audit on the kitchen table and include it in the listing documents. These upgrades can also increase the value of your home.

Curb appeal helps people decide if they are even getting out of the car. Always start with cleaning! It’s the best way to see what you have to work with. Then move on to landscaping to increase curb appeal for your home. Start by tidying up the lawn, removing any weeds or dead plants and refreshing mulch beds. Plant colorful flowers near the front door for a welcoming yet low-maintenance look. Install outdoor lighting to create an inviting ambiance both day and night. Additionally, trim any overgrown shrubs and trees to keep your landscape neat and tidy. For an extra touch of luxury, consider adding a water feature like a koi pond or small waterfall. These details will instantly draw the eye and boost curb appeal. Finally, don’t forget about your front door! A fresh coat of paint in an inviting color, such as deep red or navy blue, will be a standout against the house. You can also install a new door knocker and doorknob for an elegant finishing touch. With these steps, you’ll have your home looking its best in no time!

Once you’ve taken care of your landscaping and front door, it’s time to make sure the rest of your home looks its best. If you have wood siding, a power wash will work wonders. You can also touch up any chipped paint and add shutters or window boxes for a stylish look. Next, establish an inviting entrance with elegant outdoor furniture and an area rug or two. And don’t forget about the driveway! Striping the asphalt or adding decorative stones can make a big difference. Finally, accessorize your front porch with potted plants and hanging baskets of flowers to ensure that it looks inviting and polished. With these simple steps, you’re sure to increase the curb appeal of your home.

Remember, the key is to focus on small changes that have a high impact. While major renovations can add value, they often come with a higher cost and may not necessarily yield a significant return on investment. By making strategic and cost-effective improvements, you can enhance your home’s appeal, attract more buyers, and potentially receive higher offers, ultimately making you thousands when selling your home.

When it comes to sprucing up the paint job on your home, inside and out, cost-effectiveness is key. Fortunately, there are several measures you can take to give your house a fresh look without breaking the bank. One way to save money is by using a wall primer before painting. A primer helps paint adhere better and last longer, and it also prevents future peeling. Additionally, a primer can help give you better coverage when painting your walls.

Using the same color of paint for both the interior and exterior of your home is another way to save money while sprucing up your house. By choosing colors that are similar in tone, you’ll be able to use the same cans of paint for both the inside and outside of your home, saving you money on multiple cans. You can also save money by making small repairs before painting. Small maintenance items like filling in holes or cracks in walls will help give your walls a more even appearance and make the paint job last longer.

Finally, if you are looking to spruce up the paint job but don’t want to commit to a full painting project, you can always invest in finishing touches like accent walls and trim. An accent wall is an easy way to add visual interest to a room without the expense of repainting all four walls. On the exterior, replacing old door hardware or updating window frames with bright colors can give your house instant curb appeal.

These are just a few of the ways to get the most bang for your buck when sprucing up the paint job on your home inside and out. With these cost-effective tips, you can give your house a fresh look without breaking the bank!

Upgrading your kitchen doesn’t have to break the bank. There are plenty of cost-effective ways to update and modernize your kitchen that will give it a whole new look. Here are some tips on how you can upgrade your kitchen without spending too much money. Give your cabinets, walls, or even appliances an instant facelift with a new coat of paint. You can use different colors to create an entirely new look for your kitchen, and painting is one of the most cost-effective upgrades you can do. Change out hardware – Replacing outdated door handles and knobs with modern-looking hardware can instantly upgrade the look of a space without costing too much money. Installing new lighting fixtures or replacing old ones with energy-efficient LED bulbs can help make your kitchen look brighter and more inviting. Adding a colorful tiled backsplash to your kitchen walls not only makes it look more interesting, but also adds functionality by protecting the wall from food splatters and grease. Replacing your existing countertop with a new one can make a big difference in the look of your kitchen and is relatively affordable compared to other upgrades. By following these tips, you can upgrade your kitchen without having to spend too much money. Updating your kitchen doesn’t have to be expensive or time-consuming. With a few simple updates, you can easily give your kitchen a makeover that looks modern and fresh.

The bathroom is often overlooked when it comes to home improvement projects, but updating your bathroom can make a big difference in how you feel about your home. Here are some tips for making cost-effective updates to your bathroom. Replace outdated fixtures such as faucets and light switches with modern designs. Not only will this improve the look of the room, but it can also save you money on your energy bills. Invest in high-quality towels and accessories that are both stylish and functional. This will help to make your bathroom look more inviting and luxurious, while providing the necessary comfort for you and your family.

Freshen up the walls with a new coat of paint or add wallpaper for an extra touch of character. This is a great way to update the room without having to buy new furniture or fixtures. Add storage solutions such as baskets, shelves, and cabinets to help keep the bathroom organized and clutter-free. Refresh grout lines in tiled showers and floors with a simple cleaning solution to help make the bathroom look brighter and cleaner. Replace outdated shower doors and windows with glass or acrylic options to create an updated, modern look. These are just a few tips for making cost-effective updates to your bathroom. With a little bit of effort, you can easily transform your bathroom from dull to dazzling!

The right lighting can really set off any space. Even simple and cost-effective changes can make a big difference in the atmosphere of a room. Here are some tips to help you get started with your lighting enhancements. Make use of natural light by keeping curtains open during the day, or choosing lighter colors for your walls and furnishings that will reflect more natural light. Install dimmers on your lights to give you the flexibility to increase or decrease the brightness depending on the needs of the room and situation. Consider using energy-efficient lighting such as LED, CFL, halogen, and xenon bulbs to reduce your energy costs while still achieving better lighting performance than conventional incandescent bulbs.

Add a few well-placed accent lights to highlight specific objects or areas in the room, such as artwork or furniture pieces. Spotlights and track lighting are good options for this purpose. Install a mix of overhead fixtures and task lighting (such as table lamps) to create layers of light in each room, which helps to soften hard shadows and creates a more inviting atmosphere. Place mirrors around the room to help reflect light, as well as brighten up dark corners. Invest in quality lighting fixtures that will last longer and look better than cheaper options. With these simple tips, you can make cost-effective changes to your home’s lighting that will give the room an inviting and sophisticated atmosphere. Have fun experimenting with different lighting to see what works best in your space!

Cost-effective flooring improvements can be achieved with the right materials and craftsmanship. Here are some tips to help you get started. Evaluate what you have now. I’ve seen countless people put cheap vinyl over oak because it looked dirty. Oak is a 300-year flooring solution. You can sand it countless times and get it back to breathtaking in no time. The best flooring for the basement is tile. Nothing else comes close to reducing moisture and mold.

Select flooring materials that do not require intensive maintenance or frequent cleanings, such as quality vinyl, tile, or wood. These materials will also last longer and last longer than carpeting. You can save money on your flooring improvements by taking on some projects yourself, such as installing vinyl tiles or laying laminate flooring. Doing these projects yourself requires a bit of knowledge and practice, but with the right tools and materials, you can achieve cost-effective results. Do some research to find out if any stores are offering discounts or sales on certain flooring materials and supplies. You might be able to save a lot of money on your project by taking advantage of these deals.

Compare prices from different retailers and manufacturers when shopping for flooring materials and supplies. If you take the time to compare costs, you might be able to find the best deals. If DIY isn’t your thing, you can always hire a professional installer or contractor for your flooring project. This option will cost more upfront but can save you time and money in the long run since professionals are experienced and knowledgeable about flooring materials and installation techniques. By following these tips, you can achieve cost-effective flooring improvements that are sure to last for years to come!

Decluttering and staging your home can be a cost-effective way to make it more attractive to potential buyers. Removing personal items, such as photographs or knick-knacks, can help the space feel larger and more welcoming to viewers. In addition, rearranging furniture and adding small touches like flowers or throws can give the space a fresh look that will draw in prospective buyers. Finally, cleaning carpets and walls, dusting shelves, polishing wood surfaces, and washing windows can instantly brighten up a room and make it more appealing to potential buyers.

All of these tasks are relatively simple and inexpensive but can go a long way in making your home look its best. With just a little bit of time and effort, you can create an inviting atmosphere that will make your home look its best and hopefully attract the right buyers. So, don’t be afraid to take on a few projects yourself; it could pay off in the long run! After all, attracting potential buyers is key to selling your home quickly and for top dollar. Investing a little bit of time and money into decluttering and staging your home is one of the most cost-effective ways to make it look its best.

Homeowners can benefit from simple energy-efficient upgrades and an energy audit to help identify areas in the home that need improvement. Basic improvements such as caulking or weather-stripping around doors and windows, adding insulation to attics or crawl spaces, replacing outdated appliances with Energy Star-certified models, and upgrading HVAC systems can reduce energy costs significantly.

An energy audit can identify additional areas of improvement that will help homeowners save even more. During an energy audit, an auditor will inspect the home and test for air leakage to determine where extra insulation is needed or if there are any other problems. The auditor may also recommend upgrades such as replacing windows, adding ceiling fans, or changing out light fixtures with LED bulbs in order to optimize energy efficiency. With the right improvements, homeowners can reduce their energy costs and enjoy more comfort in their homes. Investing in energy-efficient upgrades now will help to save money over time and ensure that your home is as efficient and comfortable as possible.

In addition to energy-efficient upgrades, homeowners may be eligible for tax credits or other incentives from their local utility companies. These incentives can help offset the cost of some of the improvements and make them even more affordable. Be sure to check with your local utility company for more information about available incentives. Taking advantage of these opportunities can also help to reduce energy costs and make energy-efficient upgrades even more attractive.

Overall, making energy-efficient upgrades to your home is a great way to save money on your energy bills and increase the comfort of your home. With the right improvements, homeowners can reduce their overall energy consumption, leading to significant savings over time. Investing in an energy audit can help identify areas for improvement and make sure that your upgrades are as effective as possible. Don’t forget to check with your local utility company for any available incentives, which may further reduce the cost of energy-efficient upgrades. With the right investments in efficiency now, you can enjoy long-term savings and comfort!

Steve Schappert Founded, and is the broker at Connecticut Real Estate, Schappert owns The Connecticut Art Gallery and Home & Art Magazine Steve also designed, built, and shipped a zero-energy double-walled home to Germany. Schappert is an abstract painting artist and has painted, renovated and provided energy audits for over 1300 homes.

When it comes to real estate, construction and energy efficiency, Steve Schappert is one of the most sought-after experts in the field. With more than 40 years of experience in these areas, he has become a trusted source for reporters looking for insights on the industry. From helping develop net-zero homes to advising on sustainable building practices, Schappert’s knowledge and expertise is unrivaled. Whether it’s for a news article or an in-depth magazine story, reporters turn to Steve Schappert as a reliable source of information. With his expertise and guidance, they can ensure that their stories are accurate and up-to-date.

In the last year I have been interviewed by ABC News Manhattan, Connecticut Magazine and featured in 2 articles in The Washington Post.

If you are looking for a creative broker that thinks outside the box and has been a recognized expert for over 30 years call or text 203-994-3950

How To Sell Your Home For More Money. Chapter 1: