Springtime is one of the best times to sell a home in the Lowcountry. The weather is warmer, which can bring more showings, and inventory is low, which raises your chances of selling quickly. Even though Charleston real estate has recently hit record-breaking numbers, it is important to pay attention to what buyers are looking for. Simply listing your home without considering buyers' wants and needs could lead to more days on the market and lower offers. Two things that top the list of buyers' rants and raves are kitchens and bathrooms. If remodeling/renovating isn't in your budget, worry not! We've got some less costly, simpler options. In fact, the smallest details sometimes make all the difference.
Kitchen
Change cabinet hardware. This is a super easy way to update the look of a kitchen (or a bath). Check out your local hardware store or shop online for literally thousands of options at any price point.
Replace countertops. Stay with us here; replacing counters doesn't have to be a budget buster. There are lots of less expensive options out there right now. Even laminate countertops have gotten a modern look.
Paint or redo cabinets. A deep cleaning and a fresh coat of paint can do wonders for outdated cabinets. Skim through a few decor blogs and magazines to get an idea of what buyers might be looking for.
Replace worn flooring. Sometimes, something as simple as swapping out vinyl for ceramic tile can give a kitchen or bath a whole new look. Ceramic tile can be purchased for less than a dollar per square foot, and it's not difficult to DIY it in a weekend.
Make sure things are cohesive. If you don't have a decorator's eye, recruit a friend or your Realtor to point out any issues that stick out.
Bath
Clean up tiles. Scrub grout and replace cracked or broken tiles. A little elbow grease goes a long way toward making a bathroom look new again.
Replace faulty or dated fixtures. Consider swapping out a plain, dull faucet for a shiny new modern look. Switch out rusty screws in any other fixtures. Even installing a new toilet seat can make a difference.
Add a large mirror. Interior designers have relied on this trick for a long time. If your bathroom is on the small side, a large mirror will create the illusion of space and light.
Paint walls and ceilings. A fresh coat of neutral paint is a must, especially if the decor is based on a theme or motif. Buyers don't want to see your personal touch. They want to see a neutral space that they can make their own.
While these two rooms are wildly different in terms of usage, the general idea should be the same: make it modern yet comfortable. What are some other easy, inexpensive improvements you've made recently? Tell us in the comments section below!