When it comes to listing your home, there’s no single set of black and white rules regarding potential property improvements that apply to every property and every seller. Any upgrade or changes you make should only be considered if the change is likely to have an appreciable effect on the market value of your property in the minds of most buyers.

Below are some common suggestions on Do’s and Don’ts on property improvements for your listing:

The Do’s

Painting - A fresh coat of a neutral-toned paint could make the sale easier. Let’s face it - we all like things looking fresh.

Minor kitchen issues - Things like plumbing leaks should be fixed, and small updates like swapping out light fixtures can make a big difference. You might even consider sanding, staining or painting worn-looking cabinets. Replacing old cabinet hardware is a low-cost improvement that makes a big difference in appearance.

Floors - From fixing scratched wood floors, to replacing cracked tile, to cleaning dirty carpet, a little money spent on sprucing up floors can be well worth the investment.

Don't forget outside painting - Fences, door frames and other trim around the house, when taken care of just a quick and easy fix to keep the outside of yuor house looking fresh and crisp.

The Don’ts

Major kitchen upgrades - Unless there are major structural issues, most new buyers would prefer to do something to their own taste.

New gardens or ornamental landscaping - It’s always a good idea to spruce up your outdoor space and make sure everything is orderly, but don’t waste your time adding anything new. If the potential buyer is not horticulturally inclined, new plants and flowers won’t add to the offering price. The same can be said for expensive fences and stone walls - they look nice, but buyers don’t pay up for them.

Don't go too bold with trends - they might not be to a lot of peoples taste, especially something that will cost a lot of money for people to change.

2 other things you should keep in mind when you’re selling your property!

Stay neutral in style:

No one wants to rip out home improvements that are obviously recent but don’t meet their personal tastes. Any changes you make should play to the largest possible audience.

Consider your neighbours:

Keep in mind that your property is going to be judged directly to other comparable homes in your area. Take a look at homes near you that are listed around the same price as your property whenever you’re considering making changes to your home.