Buying a home is a significant milestone, but selling one is just as meaningful. If you thought the buying process was strenuous, get ready for a lot more work in the weeks and months before putting your home on the market.

Few homes are show-ready at any given time. Most homeowners must make a few changes to prepare their house to get the best price possible. This is the case if you live in a competitive city or neighbourhood where several similar homes are already listed.

Not every upgrade and renovation has a return on investment for homeowners who are about to sell their homes. The trick is to focus on fixes that appeal to buyers and make your home shine so that people are wowed when they take a tour. The to-dos below are all about reducing your time on the market and increasing the value of your home to get top dollar.

Add Energy Efficiency Upgrades

Today’s buyers are all about energy efficiency, even if they aren’t die-hard into the green lifestyle. Everyone understands the economic sense of having a more energy-efficient home. The fact that it’s better for the planet is a nice bonus. And in some areas like Austin, TX, energy audits are now part of the buying process, so you want your home to be as efficient as possible.

You can start with less costly upgrades like replacing the weather stripping around the doors. If you’re renovating the kitchen, which could be a good idea, then opt for Energy Star appliances. Replacing the windows? Go with Energy Star windows that have a low U-factor.

In some markets, you may also want to hire a solar energy contractor to have solar panels installed. In recent years, solar panel costs have dropped dramatically, and it’s an investment that can pay off in the long run. If everyone in your neighbourhood has solar panels, you should consider them highly, or your home won’t be as competitive. Less competitive equates to a lower price.

Make Repairs You Know Need Fixing

If you can quickly tell something needs to be repaired, buyers can too. The last thing you want is a leaky faucet that costs $50 to repair to kill a potential offer. It may not seem like a big deal, but in the minds of buyers, even small issues are a red flag. It suggests the home isn’t well maintained, and other more significant problems may lurk below the surface.

The other thing about repairs is that you have to note them in the seller’s disclosure, and they’ll be discovered during a home inspection. Unless you live in a super hot seller’s market, these repairs could sink the deal because they give the buyer a reason to back out. More likely, the buyer will request that a licensed professional make the repairs or that the price be lowered.

Make repairs before putting your home on the market to head off those potential issues, get an offer faster, and sell your home for top dollar.

Dandy Up the Front Door

The front entry is one of the most important spots in your home when you’re trying to sell. It’s the area that welcomes a buyer, so you want it to be as inviting as possible.

Please start with the actual door itself. Replacing the front door can pay off. According to Remodeling Magazine, front door replacement has one of the highest returns.

Next, you’ll want a new entrance door mat. If your doormat is not new, but your door is, and you’ve recently painted the house, we recommend getting one that is brand new, so it looks the part. Next, declutter the entry area inside and out. Do a little staging by adding a fresh floor mat, a planter with vibrant flowers and seating if possible. The idea is to draw the buyer in and give them a great first impression.

Clean Up and Landscape the Yard

Two words – curb appeal. Before buyers reach the front door, they will pull up in front of your home and size it up from the outside. If they like what they see, they’ll want to look inside. But if the yard is messy or unkempt, they’ll drive right by and keep looking.

Even if you’re trying to sell during the winter, investing in landscaping and cleaning up the yard is a good idea. If your yard is attractive and well-maintained, it automatically gives the impression that the rest of the home is equally lovely.