10 tricks to increase your property’s value in an afternoon

Looking to make some quick and easy improvements on your property to give it a lift – or even potentially increase its value? Here are 10 tricks to increase your property’s value in just one afternoon.

These ten ‘quickie’ tricks are a great kicking off point when you’re not quite sure where to get started. Most can be completed in an afternoon, although you could easily power through all of them in a weekend or in between waiting for the tradies to do the tougher grunt work.

The skill level required for these 10 tricks to increase your property’s value is low.

No super powers or magical abilities are needed. (Just remember, though, when in doubt you should seek the advice or services of a licensed tradesperson or council/utility company.)

1. Pressure wash the house exterior. Pick a hot day and go for it (remembering to check if water restrictions apply, of course!). You’ll be pleasantly surprised at how much better the house looks when you’re done. Clean off bricks and paved areas while you’re at it!

2. Change all the light globes and/or light fittings. Lighting can make a huge difference – warmer or cooler light can create a mood within a space. There are also now plenty of light fittings that can be placed over existing fittings to give a more modern look. Use a licensed electrician if changing out fittings.

3. Paint and plant out garden beds. Head to the local nursery or hardware and pick up some hardy flowering plants or coloured grasses. Try experimenting with colour and use contrasting or matching colours to create ‘wow’ factor. If the property is newer and/or tenanted, you can combine succulents and grasses to provide colour and structure. Best of all, they will survive tenants!

4. Mulch the garden beds. Most garden supply places will allow you to book a delivery with a credit card over the phone. Set it up for the Friday afternoon and spend the weekend spreading mulch. There are heaps of coloured mulches; you can try charcoal for a cooler, modern look, or reds and browns for more traditional look.

5. Pave an area. It’s all about useable space and the more functional areas you create the more value you add. If you’ve never paved before, check out an online tutorial or ask your local hardware store for tips and tricks. If you’re selling the property, create a seating area using a nice bench – let your prospective buyer take a load off and visualise themselves in the space.

6. Paint. People often underestimate how much painting can change the look of a room or even a whole house. Most paint suppliers have colour charts, wheels and books that you can check out to help you create a new look with paint. Remember that preparation goes a long way; drop sheets and masking tape are your new friends.

7. Wash the curtains or order new blinds for the whole house. Curtains and blinds get dusty and dirty, so a thorough clean will provide an excellent makeover. To modernize your look, why not measure your windows and order some new roller blinds? There are great places on the internet that can make window dressings to your measurements.

8. Replace the front door and clean up the entry way. This one is a little bit harder, but if you are up for the challenge then go for it. A new front door creates an instant impression. Place some stylish new planter pots for a pop of colour and you have a striking new entrance.

9. Screening. Hide that ugly hot water system! That old bit of fence that is functional but nasty to look at? Screen it! If it’s unsightly, then for goodness’ sake – put a screen on it! These days there is a huge variety of screens available, such as wood or bamboo/stick. (Just make sure you can still get to any doors/openings for maintenance.)

10. Put up a new letter box. This is an oldie but a goody. The letterbox is usually forgotten about, but it is pretty easy and cheap to replace. You can get coloured boxes, or stylish metal or concrete pillar letterboxes. Jazz it up with some plants and mulch around the base.

The secret to achieving a lot in a short amount of time is preparation. Order all materials in advance and have them ready to go when you are. Ensure you have all of your tools and cleaning items with you, as well as anything else you think you’ll need (you really can’t have too many tools). Have everything ready so that when you arrive to power through your list of jobs, you can get as much achieved as possible.

Have a go – pull out one of these easy tricks this afternoon, or try the lot this weekend!

Dianna Wolfe is a passionate property developer and renovator. She and her husband, Lee, run their property development and home staging company, Red Door Residential, in the metro area of Melbourne. To find out more about Dianna Wolfe or the home staging services Red Door Residential provide you can check out their website, www.homestagers.com.au