Sioux Falls Real Estate Blog

As of this afternoon, there are 861 single family homes currently listed for sale with RASE© (Realtor Association of the Sioux Empire) in Sioux Falls. That means that no matter which price range your home is in, it will probably have more competition than in the past. It'ss no secret, Buyers buy homes by comparison shopping -- so it's more important than ever to have your home in tip-top shape before ever putting it on the market. Here are (in my own personal opinion) the top 6 most important things you can do to give your home "the edge" in today's real estate market: 

First and foremost: Paint! I don't think there is a more cost-effective way to freshen up a room. Pay attention to your lines, keep it neat, and don't forget the trim. Keep your color palette neutral; even if "realtor-beige" is not your personal first-choice, it will appeal to the largest percentage of the potential buying public.  

Second: Household "hardware". In this case I'm not referring to tools... I'm referring to all the handles, knobs and pulls in kitchens, bathrooms, and doorways. Is it shiny brass? If so, it will date the look of your home. Stores like Home Depot, Menards and Lowes now carrry great in-stock selections in more current finishes (brushed nickel or bronze, for instance). Costs can vary by several dollars-per-handle (which can really add up in a kitchen) so it's worth comparing all your options.

Third: Light fixtures. Most people are surprised to find out how inexpensive it can be to update that antique-looking dining room chandelier, or 70's-looking ceiling fan, with more current light fixtures. Again, the stores listed above carry great selections. Don't be afraid to ask a sales person which lights the builders are buying (that way you know you're getting that "new construction" look). We just installed new bedroom fixtures in a home that only cost $15 each... the dining room light was just $60 (and they look great!).

Fourth: It's time to say good-bye to wallpaper! I won't lie, it's not easy and it's not fun... but it's worth your time and effort in most cases to remove old wallpaper (especially if it's a "busy" pattern, deeply colored, or heavily floral). Replace it all with a fresh coat of (you guessed it) "realtor-beige" paint and you'll give your home a bigger, cleaner, and more contemporary feel.

Fifth: It's time to part with the extra "stuff". Declutter is the main word here. That includes every single closet in the house (tip: an easy way to make your bedroom closet look bigger and more organized is to remove all out-of-season attire, leave just the short-term essentials). Organize the storeroom, box loose items on the shelves. Clear plastic tubs look great, and it's easy to identify contents. Pare-down accessories and decorative items throughout the home. Think "less is more" here. While you love these items -- they might not match potential buyers tastes. Removing them and allowing some "white space" allows visitors to visualize their own belongings in the setting.

Sixth: Clean, clean, clean and then clean some more! One area that is easy to miss: take a good close look at your front door, and the door between your garage and the home. scuff marks? dirt? spider webs? -- often you don't even see these blemishes anymore when you live in the home every day.... but first time visitors won't miss them!

Beyond my "top 6" listed here -- there's always more to consider... like "adding curb appeal"... but that's a broad enough topic to require an entire new article...

Pam Kneip // HJN Team Real Estate // Sioux Falls, SD // pam@gregkneip.com