If you’re ready to sell your Des Moines home, there are some key areas to focus on to help you catch the attention of prospective buyers. Whether you’re looking to make some DIY updates, do a little staging, or embark on a larger renovation, here are a few things to consider if you’re planning to sell your home:

A Home Office

As you can imagine, a home office has moved higher up on the buyers’ lists of wants. If you already have a space designated as a home office, make sure it’s well-kept, bright, and appealing. If you don’t already have one, getting creative could give your home an advantage over the competition. Maybe you turn a bedroom into a partial office, demonstrating how it can function as both a guest room and home office in one. If your space is limited, perhaps you section off a small portion of the living room. Of course, it depends on the house. This isn’t going to require any major renovations. It’s more about pointing out the potential for a sharp home office to help buyers see the opportunity.

The Outdoor Area

Most people want the option to host outdoor gatherings—even if it’s just for the family. Patios, decks, and other outdoor spaces are a big enticement for many potential buyers. Giving your current space a makeover or putting in some work to create one could make your home considerably more appealing. This doesn’t mean sinking thousands of dollars in a brand-new deck. Work with what you already have. Just a few pieces of outdoor seating along with a table in the backyard can make for an attractive outdoor space when done right. Throw in some colorful cushions, twinkle lights, or a firepit to really smarten it up.

Multi-Functional Space

Many of us are spending more time at home, and that means that families need their homes to be multi-functional. They might need the living room to function as yoga studio or the backyard to couple as a make-shift getaway. You get the idea. Illustrating the potential of your home to be adaptable is a terrific idea. Start by keeping things tidy and free of clutter. And staging in a way that offers multiple possibilities can help prospective buyers imagine all their options.

Kitchen Upgrade

More people have spent more time cooking-in over the last year and a half, and with that, the kitchen has become a bigger point of focus for potential buyers. Updated appliances are always noticed and appreciated if that’s in the budget. If that’s not in the budget and you’re looking for more DIY fixes, making your kitchen feel as spacious as possible can really help. Clear off the counters, organize the pantry and cupboards, and consider adding some shelving to take advantage of the vertical space. Even if your kitchen is small, showing its practicality is key.

Spending some time to get your house market-ready is always beneficial, and as I’ve covered in this piece, can be done on any budget. The more effort you put in, the more attention you’ll attract.

If you’d like to talk more about any of these ideas, or if you need a recommendation for a local handyman or Realtor, please reach out. I’m always happy to help.