How to Improve Your Condo

Budget-friendly Improvements

• 1

  Tidy up the entryway however minimal the space may be. If your condo shares a common entryway, you may only be able to spruce up your door. Repaint the door in a neutral color for an updated look. Hang a wreath or other welcoming decoration on the door. Add a door mat. Place a potted plant beside the door if space permits. If your condo has a walkway and small porch, sweep the porch frequently. Add a table and chair, floor mat, potted plants or flowers. Inviting and easy-to-care-for plants will do the trick, just don't overcrowd your space.

• 2

  Paint the walls a neutral color. Buyers will be distracted by bright or unusual colors, and they may not like the idea of having to paint once they move in. Buyers who are looking for a move-in ready space will appreciate the lighter, neutral colors, which can also make the condo space appear larger.

• 3

  Replace outdated hardware and lighting fixtures. These changes are relatively simple and inexpensive to make and they will quickly update the space. Replace larger concerns like outdated tiles and lights if you have some money set aside for minor updates. You may not recoup the money on major changes. Small changes go a long way to improving your condo's cosmetic appearance.

• 4

  Repair anything that may hinder selling your condo. A buyer may be leery if major items such as the water heater have never been replaced. Make repairs before you list your home. Buyers may not want to put money into major repairs and your condo may not pass inspection. If you know something needs to be repaired, play it safe and fix the problem before it creates larger troubles.

• 5

  Replace any damaged or worn flooring. Buyers will notice stains, smells, and broken tiles when they walk through your condo, and these will be on the top of their list of things to fix quickly. Replacing the damage before buyers walk through will give your condo more of that move-in-ready feel. And you don't have to replace everything if your budget doesn't allow for it. Simply replace items that are in most need first. No matter how large or small your budget is for improving your condo, a little can go a long way when you want to make a good impression.

• 6

  Reduce the amount of furniture and clutter. Too much furniture can make your rooms look small and creating the illusion of more space is important, especially in a condo. Clutter, such as mail, books, laundry, shoes and pictures make a space feel smaller and buyers will notice all of your belongings rather than the space itself. There are many organizational and storage units available to help you store daily items and keep them out of sight.

• 7

  Hire a cleaning company to thoroughly clean your condo. While you may clean frequently, hiring someone to thoroughly clean can be beneficial, especially before your real estate agent takes pictures of your condo or before an open house. A good cleaning will ensures buyers get a good impression; if the condo is clean, they will assume it is also well-cared for.