Expert Advice on Getting Your Home Ready To Sell

Focus on Flooring

$100: Add a splash of style with a pretty area rug. The best part? You can take it along to your next home.

$1,000: Replace a dated living room or bedroom floor with basic neutral-colored carpet. Along with imbuing a fresh look, this eliminates the issue of worn-in odors or pet hair.

$5,000: If other homes in your neighborhood have top-of-the-line floors, it might be time to splurge on hardwood or tile in key areas. But you need not break your budget: “Since you’re selling the home, you don’t have to buy the most expensive materials,” advises Reynolds. Shop for discontinued styles, which can be greatly marked down.