Live's Fix It Week: Quick Fixes to Sell Your Home with HGTV's Tarek El Moussa

[Applause]

All right, we're back! We're kicking off Live's Fix It Week with someone who knows a thing or two about fixing and flipping houses. Here with easy and inexpensive ways to help sell your home is HGTV star and author of Flip Your Life, Tarek El Moussa.

Curb Appeal

For most Americans, their home is their biggest investment. Tarek believes that before selling a house, it's essential to spend a little bit of time and money, as it will go a long way and provide a return on investment. The first step is enhancing curb appeal. Here are some simple fixes to consider:

Water the grass
Fertilize the lawn
Trim the hedges

Tarek suggests adding mulch to the beds and even painting the exterior of the house with a fresh coat. “You can get some paint for about $ 40 and do it yourself,” he says.

Decluttering and Closets

When buyers examine houses, they often check closets. Tarek shared a practical tip he learned from his wife:

Store seasonal items: For example, take all winter coats and put them in storage to make closets appear larger.
Rent short-term storage: Declutter by placing unnecessary items in a storage unit to show off more space in the house.

The Power of Smell

Smells can greatly influence a potential buyer's interest. One of Tarek’s favorite hacks is using a simple and healthy solution to make the house smell inviting:

Baking soda and essential oils: Mix these for a pleasant and natural scent. However, check whether the essential oils are pet-friendly.

Personal Touches

While it's advisable to depersonalize the home, Tarek suggests keeping a few family photos around to make it feel homely:

Display one or two family photos, but avoid having too many, especially in private areas like above the bed.

Kitchens and Bathrooms

Kitchens and bathrooms are critical in selling a house and often the most expensive to renovate. Tarek recommends some cost-effective updates:

Paint old cabinets: Transform oak-looking cabinets with a fresh coat of paint.
Update hardware: Replacing old hardware can make a significant difference.

Additionally, one of Tarek's favorite tricks is using peel-and-stick tiles:

Peel-and-stick backsplash: This easy-to-apply product can update the look of your kitchen without the need for extensive remodeling.

Thank you, Tarek El Moussa! Be sure to pick up a copy of Tarek's new book Flip Your Life, available everywhere books are sold.

Keywords

Home selling
Curb appeal
Decluttering
Storage solutions
Baking soda
Essential oils
Personal photos
Kitchen updates
Paint
Peel-and-stick backsplash

FAQ

Q: Why is curb appeal important when selling a home?
A: Curb appeal is the first impression potential buyers get and can significantly affect their interest and offer.

Q: How can I make my closets appear larger?
A: Store seasonal items and declutter by using a short-term storage unit.

Q: What’s a natural way to make my house smell good for showings?
A: Mix baking soda with essential oils for a pleasant and healthy scent.

Q: Should I remove all personal photos when selling my home?
A: Not all, but limit them to a few to help buyers imagine their family in the home.

Q: How can I update my kitchen without spending a lot?
A: Use paint on old cabinets, update hardware, and consider peel-and-stick backsplash tiles for a fresh look.