As the Spring market gets underway in Greater Vancouver, many homeowners may think about listing their homes for sale. As the weather warms up, the Vancouver real estate market typically follows suit. More people are out and about and more buyers are actively looking to purchase their next home.

Spring is typically the time of year when the most market activity happens, so it’s important to ensure your property looks its best when buyers come knocking. Here, we’ll discuss some Spring renovation ideas that will help your property compete with other homes on the market in your area.
 

Exterior Renovation Ideas

The exterior of your home will be the first thing potential buyers see when they drive up for an open house or private showing. What is the first impression your property gives these buyers? Does it look tidy and well-maintained? Is the yard well-manicured? Is the paint on the siding and trim in good condition?

Landscaping

Cutting back unruly trees or shrubs, planting flowers in beds, pots, or hanging baskets can all help make your home more appealing on first sight. Flowering plants, shrubs, and trees add pops of colour to your outdoor space, and provide a feeling of warmth and tranquility. Landscaping should be trimmed back so your home’s exterior appeal is not overshadowed by overgrown hedges or vines. Remove dead flowers and stems for a neater appearance.

Outdoor Entertaining Areas

Outdoor spaces can be a huge selling point, so do all you can to make it seem inviting and help potential purchasers imagine entertaining their family and friends there. Add some comfortable patio furniture, a BBQ grill, or a fire pit to help show off the possibilities for the space. Powerwashing patio pavers, concrete, or decking can also help revive worn-looking outdoor areas.
 

Exterior Paint

Another spot to take a look at is your home’s exterior paint. Peeling or faded paint makes a house look dated and uncared for. In the mind of a buyer, this often translates into concerns about other aspects of the home which may be neglected. Signs of disrepair or lack of maintenance on the exterior of a property may indicate that the interior will need work also.
 

Interior Renovation Ideas

Freshen Up Walls with New Paint

One of the least expensive updates you can do also can have the biggest impact on your home’s interior appearance – a fresh coat of paint on the walls. If it’s been a while since you moved into your home, colour trends may have changed and walls may have collected scuffs or gouges. Filling small holes from hanging artwork or decorative items and repairing any gouges at wall corners can go a long way in making your home look well maintained. Choosing a new colour palette can also help rooms seem larger and brighter. A feature wall in a different colour from the rest of the space can help bring additional colour to a room without being too bold overwhelming.
 

Replace Worn or Outdated Flooring

Worn, dirty, or stained carpeting can be a big turn-off for buyers. If your home has carpeted areas, make sure it’s been cleaned and any stains removed. If cleaning doesn’t make it look presentable, it may be time to replace it – either with new carpet or a different type of flooring. Buyers love lower-maintenance flooring options like hardwood, laminate, or tile, particularly in high traffic areas like hallways or living areas.

Update Light Fixtures

Another change you can make in your home that will make it feel more updated and fresh is to change out the lighting fixtures in some rooms. New lighting in living room, kitchen, and dining areas can make the space feel more modern and inviting, and bring in additional light. A simple change of a bathroom fixture can boost appeal and give the space a cleaner, brighter look.

Replace Dated Bath and Kitchen Fixtures

If you prefer not to undertake a full kitchen or bath renovation, simply changing the sink and shower faucets to a newer design and finish can be an effective way to breathe new life into those areas of your home. Changing out countertops and backsplashes is another way to improve the aesthetic appeal of your property.

It’s not always necessary to take on major renovation to your home to make it more attractive to buyers. In many cases, small changes and updates to your property will improve its appeal and help you attract  more showings and better offers.
 

Thinking About Selling? Let's Chat!

If you’re considering selling your home, please give me a call at 604-910-7777 to discuss. I’d be happy to chat with you and schedule a visit to view your property and make suggestions for pre-listing improvements.