What makes a home look expensive? 11 tricks designers use that won’t break the bank

There are plenty of ways to make a home look expensive without the high price tag. The secret to achieving an expensive look for your home isn’t actually rooted in the amount you spend. In fact, when it comes to making a home look expensive, less is often more.

Why make a home look expensive? It’s obviously wonderful to live in a home that feels well-curated, but it’s also a great way to increase your home’s value if you are thinking of selling up any time soon. Whether you are looking for luxury living room ideas or luxury bathroom ideas and beyond, these expert interior design tips will help you achieve an expensive aesthetic in every room of your home.

WHAT MAKES A HOME LOOK EXPENSIVE?

Making a home look expensive primarily comes down to the materials you use and how you dress your space. Every interior design project should begin with a declutter – there are plenty of decluttering tips to help you. Decluttering your home will ensure that you are starting with a clean slate – after-all, clutter definitely doesn’t say ‘expensive’. It is also important to avoid anything that makes your house look cheap.

1. PICK FURNITURE WITH CHARACTER

Gone are the days of a matching suite of furniture being a marker of great interior design. Today, it’s all about texture, interest and character. Decorating with antiques, especially wooden pieces, is a great way to make a house look expensive. You can mix antique and newer finds to curate a space that is truly unique to you.

‘When decorating with wood, resist the urge to pick furniture in the same species or tone as this can sometimes make a room feel flat. Instead opt for pieces with slight color variation for a more sophisticated and polished look,’ advises Rob Ellis, head of design at Dwell.

2. ADD CHARACTER AND TEXTURE WITH PANELING

Originally used in period homes as a method of insulation, today wall paneling ideas are loved for the way they elevate a room – giving the scheme a sense of gravitas that instantly screams ‘expensive’. There are ideas available for paneling any room of your home, from living room paneling ideas through to bathroom paneling ideas. Plus, it’s a surprisingly cost-effective way to decorate, often more affordable than wallpaper.

While wall paneling is by far the more traditional option, why not consider ceiling paneling? One of our favorite ceiling ideas, it adds architectural interest to what can be an overlooked part of your interior design and will also emphasize the height of the space, another technique that makes a home look expensive.

3. INSTALL STATEMENT LIGHTING

No expensive-looking interior is complete without a chandelier, which, in itself, needn’t be costly (you can even buy affordable chandeliers on Amazon, vital if you are decorating a home on a budget). However, they aren’t just reserved for houses straight out of a period drama, both modern and traditional homes can both benefit from the instant elegance of a chandelier – and there are plenty of living room chandelier ideas from which to choose.

One of our favorite ways to make a living room look expensive, a bold pendant light will also draw the eye upwards, emphasizing the height of the room which in turn makes the space feel bigger and brighter. ‘Statement chandeliers are the jewelry of an interior,’ says Owen Pacey, founder of Renaissance London. ‘A great way to level up your living room is with a grand, statement chandelier, whether that’s an ornate, rococo-style, gilt piece or a contemporary sputnik globe.’

4. GIVE YOUR STAIRCASE AN UPDATE

Updating your staircase might seem like an unusual way to make a house look expensive, but new staircase ideas, whether a new or refinished banister or balustrade or smartly painted risers, can transform the way in which people perceive your home.

‘A staircase is an integral part to the structure of any home and is the first thing that yourself and guests see when walking inside, so guaranteeing your entryway is impactful is key. A bespoke staircase is the perfect way to transform a space into something that was once ‘tired’ into somewhere that is stylish and welcoming,’ says Gareth Betts, Neville Johnson’s staircase designer. Let yourself be inspired by the latest staircase trends, but always stick to a design that suits the period of your home and your existing interior design.

Even if you don’t go for a total change, there are many ways to decorate a staircase that are sure to give your existing flight a new lease of life. Consider ripping up staircase carpets that are worn and replacing them with elegant wood flooring ideas or even wood-look flooring. You can then dress these with pretty stair runner ideas that will help with grip as well as adding aesthetic value.

5. DISPLAY CUT FLOWERS

‘It may seem obvious but having fresh flowers on the counter is an instant color burst adding endless decorative value,’ advises Kristina Phillips of Kristina Phillips Interior Design. Decorating with flowers is a quick and effective way to make a house look expensive. Not only do fresh flowers bring color and texture to a room but they also bring a sense of life and some even imbue the room with their beautiful fragrance.

‘Eucalyptus is a favorite among florists for creating fragrant and luxury displays perfect for high-end interiors. Paired with a simple glass vase and beautifully interspersed among fresh flowers such as lilies, carnations, roses and thistles, the stunning shapes of the eucalyptus stems will add height and dimension to any room and add a look of opulence for a more expensive interior,’ says Dani Turner, customer experience director at Bunches.

Why not go a step further by planning a cut flower garden so you can harvest fresh blooms from your own flower beds? ‘This is a much more sustainable way of growing flowers for arranging in your home and avoids buying ones that have been flown halfway across the world,’ explains Amelia Bouquet who trained in garden design at the English Gardening School.

6. INVEST IN ART YOU LOVE

Decorating with art can seem like a daunting prospect, from choosing the right colors and textures to size, shape and position. Thankfully, there is lots of advice to help you choose art for your home and plenty of gallery wall ideas that are sure to inspire.

‘Bare walls will make a space feel empty and lacking, but enormous prints of a cityscape are certainly not the way to go. Taking time to invest in pieces you genuinely like, that also fit your space will make a huge difference to the overall look and feel of any room and help to craft something that feels authentic and meaningful. Don’t rush this process or put pressure on yourself to have all your art within six months. Building your collection is all part of the fun,’ says Sam Greig, senior designer at Swoon.

7. REPLACE CARPETS WITH WOOD FLOORING

Timelessly beautiful, wooden flooring is a highly desirable feature. Loved for its authentic, natural appearance, durability and warmth underfoot, it will add an expensive look to any room in which it is installed. ‘Flooring is the key element when it comes to setting the tone for any interior. Get this right and all the other details will fall into place,’ says Darwyn Ker, Managing Director of Woodpecker Flooring.

There are lots of options from which to choose. A reclaimed wood floor is imbued with history and character which is nearly impossible for newer boards to emulate, however it is poorly suited to a kitchen as there are more durable kitchen flooring ideas from which to choose. If you love the look of wood but want something a little more budget friendly, luxury laminate wood-style flooring will achieve a similar finish at a fraction of the price.

‘Lighter boards create an element of freshness all year round and while they might not offer the same drama as their darker counterparts, they still add wonderful character to the home. They are ideal for those who prefer to walk on the fresher, brighter side of interiors,’ adds Darwyn.

8. INCORPORATE LUXURY MATERIALS

You don’t have to go all out when adding luxury materials to your home. Yes, a marble bathroom will look stunning and definitely give off expensive vibes, however, it is not the only way. First, consider saving in certain areas that don’t matter as much to you – perhaps you go for engineered wood flooring over real wood or you opt for a more affordable paint brand – so that you have the budget to invest in the items that really matter to you – maybe a marble sink for your kitchen or grand fireplace for your living room. You can also accessorize with pieces made from luxury materials, such as a marble tray on a coffee table or a gold candle snuffer; this will help to make your house more look expensive without breaking the bank.

9. KEEP WIRES OUT OF VIEW

We live in a technological world, and it is likely that there will be wires in every room of your home, from the TV in the living room, appliances in the kitchen to chargers in the bedroom. However, even the most elegant room will be brought down by a tangle of stray cables. In order to achieve an expensive looking home, it is essential that this source of visual clutter is reduced as much as possible.

If you have a wall mounted television or are thinking about TV wall ideas, consider running the cables through the wall to achieve a seamless look. Then hide peripheral devices in sideboards or adjoining cabinetry to continue to wire-free aesthetic. For device chargers, consider an all-in-one wireless option. The single cable can tuck behind sideboards or bedside tables and the dock will provide an easy, minimalist way to charge all your devices without all the cables.

In the kitchen, the easiest way is to keep appliances out of sight. Store toasters, blenders and other occasional gadgets in a cupboard or pantry until needed. This will not only reduce the wires but will also keep your kitchen countertops clear.

10. ADD A VINTAGE RUG

‘Luxurious rugs can make a home look and feel more expensive. Choose options that are durable and stain-resistant,’ says Jessica Nelson of Jessica Nelson Design. Knowing how to choose a rug can make or break an interior scheme, and the right design is a simple way to elevate your space.

‘Rug pads also make a big difference in the design. We usually opt for thicker felt options over the thinner webbed versions. There are some great expensive options out there, but we also love vintage rugs we find on Etsy as a more budget-friendly option,’ adds Jessica. Once you’ve chosen the perfect design – there are plenty of bedroom rug ideas or living room rug ideas that are sure to inspire – it is also important that you know how to clean an area rug in order to keep it looking its best.

11. DON’T OVERLOOK THE DETAILS

Finishing touches are a great way to make your home look expensive. Think door handles, drawer pulls, light switches and sockets. These elements are often overlooked but the right design can pull an entire scheme together. ‘Light switches are the most interactive part of your interior and should be an integral part of the design,’ says Howard Solomons, head of design at Wandsworth Electrical. ‘Anything handled so frequently must reflect quality, not only in its look but also in its touch.’

While outlets and switches are small details, this is not a place to skimp – opt for the best you can afford. Create a harmonious look by ensuring that door handles and the pulls on drawers and cupboards are in the same material and finish as your sockets and switches.

HOW TO MAKE YOUR HOUSE LOOK EXPENSIVE ON A BUDGET?

One of the best ways that you can make your house look expensive on a budget is with your decor. Whether it’s vases of flowers, artwork or window treatment ideas, all of these elements can help to make your look more expensive.

‘While many of us have been spending so much time at home, it seems like every day we’re finding something that we want to change in our space. If you’re working with a minimal budget, updating your window treatments can play an integral role in a refresh without going overboard. Think of your window treatments as a canvas for the rest of your space,’ says designer Mariko Blakemore of Stoneside Blinds & Shades.

HOW DO YOU MAKE YOUR HOUSE LOOK LIKE IT’S WORTH MORE?

One of the easiest ways to make your house look like it’s worth more is by repainting. ‘To give a room life and look more expensive, go with the power of paint. A fresh coat of paint in an eye-catching color – either bold or moody – can make all the difference,’ says Mary Patton of Mary Patton Design.

Also ensure that your home’s design is cohesive. ‘A home executed with a master plan, where each space ties into the next, elevates the feeling of a home. Colors, textures and furnishings need to be well thought out for each space in how they relate to each other and add to the overall experience. Tasteful application of color and placing of textures creates an atmosphere that hints at luxury. Furnishings should be both functional and beautiful; one should be able to indulge in comfortable yet visually interesting pieces. Pairing luxury and comfort make the home feel expensive,’ says Laurie Davis from Eralyn Interiors.

Should I Sign an Exclusive Contract With a Real Estate Agent?

Have you been asked by your real estate agent to sign an exclusive contract? Or perhaps you’ve heard that you, as the home seller or buyer, should ask your real estate agent for an exclusive contract. No matter who brings up the topic of signing on the dotted line, there are pros and cons for both sides of having an exclusive contract.

In this post, we’ll explain what an exclusive contract is, why either side may want this kind of agreement, and give you expert insights to help you decide if it’s right for you in your upcoming real estate transaction.

For real-world insights on exclusive contracts for agents, buyers, and sellers, we spoke with Scott Myers, broker-owner of Century 21 Scott Myers, Realtors in San Antonio, Texas, who has nearly 50 years of experience in the real estate business.

What is an exclusive contract with a real estate agent?

An exclusive contract with a real estate agent is an agreement between the buyer or seller of a home and their agent. Sellers can have an exclusive listing agreement, and buyers can have an exclusive buyer-broker purchase contract.

An exclusive contract assures the buyer/seller that the agent will be completely committed to working for their client’s interest. It also gives the real estate agent the assurance the buyer or seller is committed to completing the transaction. It protects the work the real estate agent puts in on their client’s behalf.

Myers, who leads a team of top-performing agents at his San Antonio brokerage, explains that it’s always better to have terms and conditions in writing, but you can have a spoken agreement with an agent, to begin with.

“You can have an oral agreement and not have it in writing but still be representing the client,” says Myers. “Having it in writing enforces in the client’s mind that they are being well represented.”

An exclusive contract is more than just the details of the real estate agent’s commission. It establishes commitment levels and plays a role in making your home sale a priority, which we’ll discuss below. It’s also not a tool or trick to keep a client stuck with an agent.

Exclusive vs. non-exclusive listing agreements

Listing agreements are typically classified as exclusive or non-exclusive.

As the name implies, a non-exclusive listing contract allows a seller to list a property with more than one real estate agent. A non-exclusive agreement establishes that a commission will be paid only to the agent who sells the house.

On the other hand, an exclusive listing agreement grants the agent the right to a commission reward, regardless of who sells the property.

State laws or regulations can dictate how listing agreements are written, but the National Association of Realtors’ (NAR) Handbook on Multiple Listing Policy, provides three definitions regarding the various types of listing agreements, which we’ve summarized below:

Exclusive right-to-sell listing: This is where the listing broker acts as the agent, and the seller agrees to pay a commission to the listing broker, regardless of whether the property is sold through the efforts of the listing broker, the seller, or anyone else. However, the seller can name specific “exemptions” or exclusions. If the home is sold to any exempted individual or entity, the seller is not obligated to pay a commission to the listing broker.

Exclusive agency listing: This means the listing broker acts as the agent or as the legally recognized non-agency representative of the seller, and the seller agrees to pay a commission to the listing broker if the property is sold through the efforts of any real estate broker. If the property is sold solely through the efforts of the seller, the seller is not obligated to pay a commission to the listing broker.

Open listing: This is where the seller agrees to pay a commission to the listing broker only if the property is sold through the efforts of the listing broker.

What can sellers expect with an exclusive agent contract?

When a seller commits to an exclusive contract, they agree to work only with a specific agent for the length of the agreement. The seller agrees to cooperate with the agent by taking suggestions regarding improving the property, the selling price, and what offer to accept. The seller also agrees to carefully examine the paperwork that will go along with the property sale.

Sellers commit to:

Signing an exclusive contract that gives the real estate agent permission to sell your property. Sellers will receive professional suggestions to increase the value of the property, and an advertising and marketing strategy geared toward their property. This can lead to higher offers and an easier home sale. But sellers will have to pay the real estate agent a commission on the home sale in this type of agreement.

Seller pros:

• The seller can be assured their real estate agent is committed to selling their home for the right price in a reasonable time frame.
• Agents often prioritize their exclusive contracts first.
• Your home is shown to the right kinds of buyers.
• You’re more likely to receive higher-quality offers from serious buyers.

Seller cons:

A seller may not want to sign an exclusive contract if they have a potential buyer in mind (a friend or family member, for example). An open listing may be a better option for home sellers who want to do their own marketing and advertising and will mean they do not have to pay a commission to a real estate agent.

Should a seller sign an exclusive agent contract?

“Without an exclusive right to sell, the agent may not be as motivated to put as much time and effort into it,” says Myers. If the seller can just sell it to someone, they know themselves, it could be a waste of time for the agent. Unless the seller already has pretty firm interest from someone, they know for the home sale, it’s often in the best interest of both parties to sign an exclusive contract.

Most real estate agents will ask for an exclusive contract, to preserve their time, and to make sure they have the bandwidth to properly serve the home seller throughout the entire home-selling process.

What can buyers expect with an exclusive agent contract?

When a buyer commits to an exclusive contract, they agree to only work with the one agent for the duration of the agreement. The buyer cooperates with the agent by looking at the homes the agent presents and reviewing the paperwork that will go along with the potential property purchase.

Buyer pros:

• Agents often prioritize their exclusive contracts first.
• You will be more likely to find out about new listings sooner because your agent will be watching listings more closely for their exclusive clients.
• Agents with exclusive clients establish a closer working relationship and explain the purchasing process in more detail.
• The buyers don’t have to worry about the agent putting them under pressure.
• The buyer can be assured their real estate agent is committed to finding them a home in their price range in a reasonable time frame.

Buyer cons:

Make sure your agent understands exactly what you are looking for and that the agent has a communication style that fits your needs before signing an exclusive contract. If you’ve signed an exclusive contract with an agent, you cannot work with another agent until the terms of the current contract expire or are terminated by the agent. In some instances, such as a military family being reassigned or other extenuating circumstances, an exclusive contract may be amicably terminated by both parties.

Should a buyer sign an exclusive agent contract?

There are very few reasons for a buyer not to sign an exclusive contract. “Frankly, the client is going to get the same treatment from us, whether it’s in writing or not,” says Myers. “It’s more in the agent’s interest to have an agreement signed than the buyer’s interest.”

This doesn’t mean it’s not in the best interest of the buyer. It is, in that their agent will be more motivated to tend to their needs over clients who may not have agreed to sign an exclusive contract.

How long is an exclusive real estate agent contract?

While the length of an exclusive real estate agent contract can be any period you choose, Myers says it typically falls between three to six months for most normal listing situations. The contract period can also depend on housing trends and regional sales conditions.

Many agents will be hesitant to accept an agreement for less than a month because it’s difficult to effectively market a property in such a short amount of time.

Any listing agreement will have the beginning and ending dates spelled out.

What is a protection clause in an exclusive listing contract?

Some seller’s agents will insert a protection clause that applies even after an exclusive real estate agent contract expires. The clause acts as an insurance policy to prevent a back-door deal from being brokered between the seller and a buyer that the agent introduced.

An unprincipled seller might attempt this tactic to avoid paying the agent a commission. If inserted in an agreement, a protection clause typically lasts for 30 to 90 days after the listing contract expires.

What is an exclusion clause in an exclusive listing contract?

An exclusion clause is not as common but can be helpful for home sellers under certain conditions. This clause allows sellers the option to sell their home to certain parties listed in the agreement without having to pay a commission.

For example, you may sign an exclusive contract with your listing agent, but you include an exclusion clause stating that if your child or a grandchild comes up with the money, you can sell the home to them without paying the agent a commission. Or perhaps you have a neighbor that’s always wanted to buy your house, you might include their name in an exclusion clause.

Can I cancel an exclusive contract with a real estate agent?

There are always exceptions to the rule, but exclusive contracts are usually not broken. “It’s always on a case-by-case basis,” says Myers. “The short answer is no, but circumstances come into play.”

For example, when unexpected life circumstances change, real estate agents are more willing to be flexible in terms of breaking the contract. In some cases, the agent may ask for the buyer or seller to cover the agent’s out-of-pocket expenses and will let them out of the contract.

Or, if it can be shown that the agent has not upheld their responsibilities as stipulated in the agreement, you may have a legal right to terminate the contract early without financial concessions.

But in many cases, you may not need to apply legal leverage regardless of the reasons for canceling the contract. In an industry that relies on reputation and referrals, most agents want to keep their clients happy, even if the agreement is being broken.

However, Myers points out that if someone wants to switch agents because they have overpriced their home against the agent’s advice or in a similar situation, the listing agreement typically cannot be canceled unless the agent’s fee is paid.

How can I find a proven, trusted real estate agent?

Before you sign an exclusive contract with a real estate agent — whether you’re buying or selling — you’ll want to find a top agent in your area.

HomeLight’s free Agent Match tool can connect you with a proven professional who is familiar with your market and can advise you on every step of your homebuying or selling journey. See each agent’s strengths, experience, selling results, and reviews from other buyers and sellers who have used their services.

Before you sign an exclusive contract, it’s important to find an agent you can trust and feel comfortable committing to for your real estate transaction.

By April Blake
Contributing Author Homelight.com

How to Manage the Stress of Selling a House: 11 Helpful Tips

The stress of selling a house is enough to make anyone feel overwhelmed. People tend to struggle with big changes and moving is nothing short of a seismic life disruption. The emotional ties to our homes can also cause feelings of anxiety and sadness when it’s time to say goodbye. “The stress of selling the home is very specific to the individual,” explains Andrew Robinson, a top-selling agent in Columbus, Ohio. “Even with a couple, sometimes the wife is ready to go and the husband is having a hard time leaving.”

On top of that there are logistical challenges like scheduling showings, uncertainty of when you’ll sell, and if you’ll be satisfied with the outcome. “So much of it is out of your control, and you spend a lot of time just waiting,” adds top real estate agent Dalton Carroll of Arlington, Texas. “You’re waiting for showings, waiting for offers, waiting for your buyer to submit repair requests, and waiting on the lender for the clear to close.”

To get through a process that can be challenging in so many ways, review this list of strategies and resources to help you cope during this limbo home-selling period and minimize stress along the way.

1. Reduce stress with an online cash offer

When you’re about to lose your mind with the hassles of selling a house the traditional way, there is another option. You could consider requesting a cash offer instead and avoid a lot of the usual headaches. With this method, you skip staging, repairs, and showings. No strangers traipsing through your home office, no lengthy or expensive roof repairs holding up the sale.

A cash buyer will offer the entire amount for the house with no mortgage or other type of financing involved. This eliminates the processing of a buyer’s loan and home appraisal, which are typically the two most time-consuming steps in the home sale process. It also reduces the likelihood of contract delays.

According to Dec. 2021 data from the National Association of Realtors, issues related to the buyer’s financing were responsible for 23% of delayed settlements. An all-cash offer removes this specific risk, creating a clearer path to closing. Many cash-for-homes operations have moved online, while iBuyer companies go so far as to value your home using technology and provide a near-instant offer for convenience.

HomeLight’s Simple Sale website, for example, provides a great alternative solution for sellers who need to move quickly by facilitating cash offers on its platform. To request a cash offer from Simple Sale, enter the address of your home and answer a few quick questions about it. We’ll provide an all-cash offer within 48 hours. You can sell your house in almost any condition, and close in as few as 10 days.

2. Contact an agent 90 days before listing

Let’s say a direct cash offer isn’t for you. You’ve decided to move forward with an open market sale, which does have numerous benefits — like the possibility of buyer competition driving up the price of your home. But remember in college when you had to pull an overnighter to complete a term paper that had been assigned weeks before? Or when you tried to make dinner reservations for Valentine’s day on February 13 and every restaurant was booked?

When selling a house, like many things in life, it pays to plan ahead and you’ll thank yourself later for it. One of the best steps you can take to reduce stress in the selling process is to contact a Realtor or real estate agent a few months before the date you plan to list. Robinson suggests aiming to hire an agent 90 days ahead. This allows time for your agent to complete an initial walkthrough, determine which improvements and repairs to make, and schedule work to be done on the house as necessary.

In 2022, pandemic-related housing projects have kept contractor schedules full and the possibility of delays is higher than usual. “If you want to have your house on the market next week,” he explains, “it’s going to be a lot more stressful than if you want your house on the market three months from now. We can execute to that deadline with less stress.”

3. Find a top-rated agent online

However, one of the biggest stressors in selling a home begins with how to find a qualified real estate agent. Recent statistics show that there are over 3 million active real estate licensees nationwide.

In the past, the main way to find a quality real estate agent was to ask for a referral or call different real estate offices. However, companies like HomeLight have made the search for a top-rated real estate agent or Realtor® fast and easy to do online. It’s definitely a lower-stress way to find an agent you can trust. To get started, you simply answer a few questions about your timeline and priorities, and HomeLight provides you with two to three agent recommendations in two minutes. HomeLight’s agent-matching platform is 100% free to use and it’s not pay-to-play, so agents can’t pay to be listed or appear as one of your matches. The company analyzes over 27 million real estate transactions and thousands of reviews to determine which agent is best for you based on your needs.

4. Reduce clutter for an easier move

“So many of my clients have been in their houses for 20 years, they can feel a bit overwhelmed,” Robinson says. “For many, one of the greatest anxieties is what to do about all the stuff in the house.” That’s why Robinson’s referral list includes not only moving companies and storage facilities but local auction partners, home organizers, and charitable organizations.

If you’re downsizing, you might be distraught about the potential of taking a loss on the investment you’ve made in curating fine furniture, paintings, and collectibles. Maybe your kids have grown up and out of clothes and toys or your design aesthetic has changed. Fortunately, there are businesses who are eager to consign, upcycle, and recycle just about any item you no longer need.

• Auction houses

These days, you don’t even need to haul your grandmother’s 90-piece set of Reed & Barton silver, your autographed ripped Ramones t-shirt or baseball collection to the auction house for assessment. In most cases, you can email or upload good quality photos to their website. Then, their experts estimate value and determine whether to accept your items for consignment. Once the item sells, usually the auction house and former owner split the proceeds.

To find the closest auction house or one that handles specialty items, visit liveauctioneers.com.

• Estate sales

If you are getting rid of the contents of an entire house and you have the luxury of time before the property goes on the market, you may want to consider an estate sale. Working on commission, estate sales professionals typically stage every room from the half-bath to the garage to show off every item available for sale. Their devoted followers know the first day of the sale is full price with discounts for every successive day.

For an introduction to your area’s estate sales companies, visit estatesales.net.

• Charitable organizations

If you have clothing, housewares, toys and other usable items, consider a donation to your local homeless or battered women’s shelter or a national charity such as Goodwill, Vietnam Veterans of America, or Habitat for Humanity.

5. Refresh (don’t renovate) your home

Not only is it stressful to perform major renovations to your home right before you sell it, but it can also be a bad move financially. According to Remodeling Magazine’s 2021 Cost vs Value Report, the average cost recouped on 22 common home improvement projects is only 60%, with returns on major bathroom and kitchen overhauls being some of the lowest. Rather than spending $25,000 on a complete bathroom redo, Robinson says, “sometimes, you can create the same wow factor for $1,500 by changing light fixtures, cabinet hardware, mirrors and vinyl flooring.”

So when in doubt, refresh rather than renovate, and focus your attention on these high-ROI home prep efforts:

• Deep clean and declutter (adds over $4,000 in resale value on average)
• Improve your curb appeal (adds nearly $12,000 in resale value on average)
• Stage an outdoor seating area (ranked as the #3 most-desired feature among today’s home buyers)
• New carpet, freshly painted walls, and repairs to make sure HVAC, appliances, and other mechanical systems are operational may also be recommended. See HomeLight’s guide on what to fix before selling a house for further guidance.

6. Communicate your comfort level in pandemic times

The COVID-19 pandemic and recently the omicron variant may be adding additional stress to the process of selling your home. Talk to your agent about your concerns about health and safety so that they can assist and share all of the available options with you. For example, your agent may be able to help you reduce in-person showings by adding a virtual tour, 3-D walkthrough, or aerial video to your listing to give buyers a better idea of your home’s characteristics online. Remote showings or virtual open houses are additional tools agents have used during the pandemic. It’s also good practice to screen buyers for pre-approval or proof of funds before they view the home to cut back on useless showings. If you’re a little uneasy about having people in the house who may be infected, provide masks, gloves, shoe covers, and sanitizer at the entrance of your home for peace of mind.

7. Create a system for low-stress showings

Even in a pandemic, physical showings are still happening. With safety precautions in place, the market has adjusted. A year ago, “there was still some apprehension about social distancing at a showing appointment or open house,” Robinson says, “But, the demand for housing outpaces the anxiety about COVID so, we’re seeing a very high level of activity at showings and open houses.”

However, maintaining a neat and clean home throughout the listing period is perhaps one of the most painful parts of the process. To make things easier, develop a pre-showing routine that you can execute with muscle memory.

First, get the supplies you need:

• Invest in a few decorative storage boxes with lids that blend seamlessly into the décor of your bedrooms, bathrooms, kitchen and living room. These let you quickly tuck any personal items out of sight.
• Then, pick up an assortment of cleaning wipes so you can wipe down countertops and easily polish up mirrors and faucets.

Then, use this checklist or some variation that works for you:

• Put all dirty dishes in the dishwasher.
• Empty garbage cans around the house.
• Wipe down surfaces.
• Make the beds and fluff pillows.
• Stash small rugs and excess clutter from bedrooms.
• Hide outdoor toys and garbage bins.
• Close toilet lids.
• Shut closet doors.

In addition, make sure to communicate your preferred window for showings to your agent. Plan ahead with a few go-to activities you can do with your family to get everyone out of the house for a few hours. This is easier in good weather conditions, when you can go for a walk or head to the park. Otherwise, check with local friends and family members if they would be OK with you hanging out at their place while the house is being shown. Restaurants, the library, coffee shops, or the gym could be alternatives. In pandemic times, make sure to stash a few masks for each family member in the car so you have them if needed on-the-go.

Once the system is set up, not only will you be able to get ready for guests at a moment’s notice, you can share your protocol with family or roommates. That way, they can pitch in and lighten your load, and won’t be surprised when you announce you’re going out for dinner or headed to the children’s museum during a showing.

8. Be prepared for a fast or slow sale

The current low inventory and low interest rates have conspired to create a seller’s market. However, each house and local market is different. If your house is not selling as quickly as you’d hoped, the situation is certainly stressful; but, it’s not hopeless. A little research into common reasons houses remain on the market can help you identify the issue and get back on track. Robinson finds clients are equally stressed by the possibility of their house selling too quickly in this low inventory market. “While sellers want to take advantage of the market and they don’t want to carry two mortgages,” he says, “they don’t want to be left without a place to live.”

Robinson is often able to leverage his connections with a few townhome rental agencies to provide his clients with the ability to get a six-month lease. That way, they can go to market, extract the maximum equity from their home without worrying about where they’ll live. With advanced planning, new construction is another option. “If they go into contract on a new build that maybe is on a six- to 12-month schedule,” Robinson explains, “they have a very strategic timeline of when we take their house to market, so that they don’t have to move twice.”

9. Practice self-care

While the process of selling a home is stressful, it’s usually compounded by factors that prompted your move in the first place and issues resulting from the decision to make a major life change. For example, if you’re moving for a job opportunity or to be closer to your aging parents, you worry about how your kids will adjust to a new school. You may have second thoughts about downsizing now that your spouse has just announced plans to retire and foster for a Great Dane rescue.

No matter the source of the stress, self-care is essential to diffuse the situation before your mental status wreaks havoc on your physical well-being. Luckily, stress relief can be quick, inexpensive, and accessible 24/7. It can be as simple as walking your dog, having coffee with a friend, or making time to do an activity you enjoy. There’s also plenty of free stress management information available to help you find serenity now or develop a long-term plan.

10. Access free expert advice

Believe it or not, accurate information is a powerful stress buster. The better you understand how processes work, definition of terms, the roles of people involved and the options you have at certain stages, the more confidence you have in your ability to handle the sale successfully. If you can pinpoint the components of the sales process that are causing you the most anxiety, Homelight’s Seller Resource Center has a free, virtual library of blogs written in plain language to answer your questions.

11. Keep the stress in perspective

No matter your reasons for moving, selling a house is stressful. Staking the for-sale sign into the ground could trigger a vivid memory of a birthday celebration or backyard barbecue which hits you like a ton of bricks. Or showing requests may conflict with your job responsibilities, creating scheduling challenges now that you work from home. However, remember that this is part of the plan. If you’ve gone so far as to list the house and start fielding offers, you have already put a ton of thought into this decision and now’s not the time to second-guess it.

Hire the professional help you need, stay organized, and find ways to decompress when stressors arise. Remind yourself of what comes next: the opportunity to live closer to loved ones, enjoy a better neighborhood, and embrace a new chapter.

 

Article was originally posted on: 

https://www.homelight.com/blog/how-to-deal-with-the-stress-of-selling-your-house/