Congratulations, your home is under contract! The stress is over right? Not so fast, you still have to pick up and move. Let’s face it, moving day is never fun and in many cases is the most frustrating part of selling your home. That’s why at [Felix Homes](https://www.felixhomes.com/), we’ve put together a list of the top ten tips for moving day to make moving day suck a little less.

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1. If you’re planning on using a moving service or renting a moving truck, be sure to book a company a few weeks in advance.
2. Call your local utility company and arrange for service in your new home. This goes for cable and internet service too!
3. The third tip for moving day is to notify your post office, bank, doctor, vet, DMV, and insurance company of the recent change to your address.
4. Stop or reroute deliveries of newspapers, magazines, and packages.
5. To prepare for your moving day, sell or dispose of any items that you don’t need. The less you have to transport, the easier the move will be!

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6. Pack items by room for easy unpacking. Make sure to pack fragile items in their own box and wrap them with newspaper for safe transport.
7. Tell your family and friends of your moving date a few weeks in advance so they can help!
8. If you have small children, consider hiring a babysitter for moving day.
9. Host a moving party! Order a pizza, buy drinks, snacks, paper plates, and plastic utensils in preparation for moving day.
10. The last tip, which actually occurs after moving day is to relax and start making memories in your new home. You’ve earned it!

## About Felix Homes

 [Felix Homes](https://www.felixhomes.com/) is where five-star service meets low commissions! To date, we've saved our clients $1,610,738 in commission fees and have earned 120 five-star reviews on [Google](https://maps.app.goo.gl/LPEY1bi5hcW6XGck9)!

How are we able to offer five-star service AND lower commission fees? It's simple:

- We're an independently owned brokerage – not a franchise which allows us to keep more of the commission we earn.
- By offering a lower commission, more folks want to work with us which means we close more deals. By closing more deals, we can pass more savings along to our customers!

Still not convinced? Read all about our low-commission mission [here](https://www.felixhomes.com/blog/low-commission-real-estate-agents-nashville).

If you have any questions about the state of the market or the home buying/selling process, please feel free to contact us at [contact@felixhomes.com](mailto:contact@felixhomes.com) or [615-354-5731](tel:6153545731).

Congratulations, your home is under contract! The stress is over right? Not so fast, you still have to pick up and move. 

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Tips for moving day

Selling a home can be a hassle. Learn how to stage your home so it's ready for the market and see what to expect from the sales process. We've made selling a house simple.

Tips for Selling a Home

- **People often spend around $600 outfitting their homes to meet their ‘home-office’ needs.**
- **An estimated 56% of jobs can be completed without ever leaving one’s home, most of which are higher-paying, white-collar professions.**
- **35.5% of Americans believe they’ll be allowed to work from home after the pandemic is over.**
- **65% of today’s home buyers are looking for a dedicated office in their new home.**
- **20% of remote workers report communication as an issue, and 19% say that loneliness is their biggest complaint.**
- **Of those who will not continue working from home, the majority think they will be back in the office between April - June 2021.**


<p>
Faulty connections, endless Zoom meetings, children screaming in the background—welcome to working remotely in 2020. When the pandemic hit, the percentage of American workers who operated primarily from home jumped from <a rel="nofollow" href="https://review42.com/remote-work-statistics/">3.4%</a> to <a rel="nofollow" href="https://news.stanford.edu/2020/06/29/snapshot-new-working-home-economy/">around 40%</a>. Right now it looks like working from home is here to stay. The pandemic isn’t going anywhere for a while, and over 3 in every 10 Americans believe they’ll be allowed to work remotely even after they’re through this difficult period. Whether you can’t wait to get back to the office or hope to never see it again, your work-from-home experience could always be better; which is why we’re offering a few tips to help you get the most out of your telecommuting.
</p>

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## Tip #1: Keep Regular Hours
<p>
With work always at their fingertips, it can be tempting for telecommuters to pick and choose their times to be productive. There’s nothing wrong with taking advantage of your work situation’s flexibility, but this approach usually ends in frustration. Designate specific, consistent work blocks to avoid the constant sensation of being on-call, otherwise, you’ll find yourself working way more hours than you would at the office. Once you’ve established your schedule, then you can better take advantage of work-from-home flexibility without spreading yourself too thin. If one day’s project goes a little long, take an extended lunch the next day. Just remember that if you don’t control your work schedule, then your work will end up controlling you.
</p>

## Tip # 2: Have a Dedicated Workspace
<p>
Another way to separate your work-from-home life from your home life is to designate a workspace within your house. Outfitting an area often <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/2020/05/18/coronavirus-remote-work-home-office/5182645002/">costs around $600</a>, and can be as involved as creating an entire office, or as simple as sectioning off part of your kitchen or living room. The main idea is to reserve an area for work so that the rest of your home doesn’t start to feel like a big office. This will help you separate mentally and practically from your at-home professional life. Today’s home buyers take this separation seriously, with <a rel="nofollow" href="https://eyeonhousing.org/2020/05/most-home-buyers-want-a-home-office/">65% of them</a> placing a home office on their residential wish list. As the pandemic lengthens, this number is only going to rise, so it’s a good thing properties in Nashville, Tennessee are increasingly meeting their needs. It’s not unusual for newly-constructed houses and condos to include work nooks and home offices. Sellers are also finding ways to turn dated dens and bonus rooms into suitable spaces for work. Whatever space you find, just make sure to stick to it while performing your job, otherwise, you’ll never get away from your work.
</p>

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## Tip #3: Always Overcommunicate
<p>
<a rel="nofollow" href="https://review42.com/remote-work-statistics/">20% of telecommuters</a> cite communication as a major obstacle to successfully completing their work, and the other 80% probably just didn’t understand the question. Without other employees around, face-to-face meetings, and a hovering boss, messages just don’t seem to get through as consistently. The best way to combat this dilemma is simple: communicate much more than you feel necessary. Repeat directions four or five times over Zoom meetings, and respond more often to emails to confirm your understanding. Maybe even create a timeline of your week’s activities and expectations so that others know exactly what you’re working on. This is especially helpful for managers, who made up 16% of the pre-pandemic remote worker population and are constantly giving orders. A good rule of thumb is, if you don’t feel like you’ve said something too much, then you probably haven’t said it enough.
</p>

## Tip #4: Try to Simulate Authentic Workplace Interaction
<p>
It’s not surprising that one of the top long-term dissatisfactions for remote workers is that <a rel="nofollow" href="https://review42.com/remote-work-statistics/">nagging sense of loneliness</a> that stems from the lack of immediate human contact. Let’s face it: work is more than a place to make a living, it’s a place to make connections, and many telecommuters feel like they’re missing out. As a telecommuter, your best option is to find interactions that simulate the work-place environment. Get to Zoom meetings early, and make small-talk about the latest show you’ve been watching. If you’re working on a project, host a virtual hangout with your partners that offers critical face-to-face contact, or use a messaging app to keep you in the flow of conversation. You don’t always have to live through your technology, though. If you’re in the same city as your company, meet up for a socially-distanced lunch with colleagues at a spot that’s equidistant between your work and home. Most importantly, find a way to meet up with your boss to shore up that critical workplace relationship. All of these actions will humanize you to your colleagues, make your presence felt, and save you from those work-from-home blues.
</p>

## Tip #5: Get Out of the House
<p>
Being out of the office doesn’t mean you have to be at home. Ironically enough, one of the best ways to work from home is to find somewhere else to work, entirely. A new environment, even for a morning, can refresh your spirit and increase productivity. Local libraries offer quiet spaces with reliable internet connections, but there are also plenty of restaurants and coffee shops with free WiFi and pandemic-friendly seating options. Especially in Nashville, where neighborhoods often come with tempting local cafes or brunch spots, an alternate location can be an alluring, accessible option for your entire workday. Neighborhoods like East Nashville or 12 South feature flexible restaurant districts just a stroll away, while residents of closer-to-downtown neighborhoods, like Germantown or The Gulch, often have coffee shops and cafes right beneath their cosmopolitan condos. Even Nashville suburbs, like Franklin, feature commercial districts with plenty of work-from-home alternatives. You’ll be amazed at how much more you’ll get done when someone else is making the coffee!
</p>

## Tip #6: Set Clear Expectations With Those Who Share Your Environment
<p>
Family and roommates are usually the biggest obstacles to your work-from-home efficiency, but as long as they don’t happen to be small children, it’s usually possible to keep them from ruining your workday. The trick is to set clear expectations of what you need to be successful. Establish when and where you’ll be working, and tell them what you’re going to be doing. That way they can avoid you, as well as activities that might undermine your work. Make it clear that, unless there’s an emergency situation, you need this time for your productivity and peace of mind. If you make this negotiable, people will take advantage of you. Significant others will start to see you as on-call childcare, and badgering neighbors will enlist you for their every favor. Establish that your time is meant for work, or you’ll find yourself spending it on everything else.
</p>

## Tip #7: Take your full, regularly-scheduled breaks
<p>
As long as you’re keeping within the confines of your company’s policies, breaks are just as important to the remote worker as they are to the office employee. Unlike those regular office employees though, telecommuters struggle to allow themselves the full break time. Your life may be more convenient, but that doesn’t mean you aren’t working just as hard. Take the full lunch hour to recharge those batteries and maybe even take a walk around your neighborhood for a little while. In places like Nashville, which are full of accessible restaurants and beautiful parks, you can really make the work-from-home lunch window work for you. After a quick sandwich, go for a hike at the acclaimed Percy Warner Park. If you’re downtown, descend from your loft to roam around the Statehouse grounds.
</p>

## Tip #8: Have a routine for starting and finishing work
<p>
This may seem like a bit of a hassle at first, but having a system for entering and leaving your at-home workplace can help define your workday and make sure you’re prepared to start the job with momentum. The most particular among us can make a production out of this, with coffee, hair, make-up, and dressing to impress—even for a Zoom. For those who are less type-A, it’s still a good idea to eat something for breakfast, organize your work materials, and change out of the pjs before you dedicate yourself to another day at ‘the office’. Besides making sure you look like a professional who has everything in order, this helps simulate the process of mental preparation that a morning commute enables. The result is a more organized space and mind. When you’re finished, retrace your steps. Have specific places to put materials, then change from your work clothes into something more casual. This will help serve as a symbolic disconnect between your work and home life.
</p>

## Tip #9: Always Be On Time
<p>
An occupational hazard of telecommuting is that co-workers tend to be a little jealous of your situation. After all, <a rel="nofollow" href="https://review42.com/remote-work-statistics/">99% of workers</a> want to continue working from home to some extent after the pandemic is long gone. Because most of your co-workers would rather be at home, they’re likely to hold you to a higher standard. When you don’t answer emails promptly, or show up a little late for a conference call, fellow employees might not give you the benefit of the doubt. To make sure they don’t start to think that you’re binge-watching Netflix or always playing with your dog, try to be prompt in your interactions with others. This doesn’t necessarily mean you need to chain yourself to your email or deny yourself bathroom breaks; just be aware that it’s best to make a habit of showing up early, and announcing your presence. That way, when you do have to miss or show up late to a meeting, your colleagues are likely to forgive and forget.
</p>

## Tip #10: Don’t Forget to Treat Yourself
<p>
Many people overcompensate for their privileged circumstances by stretching themselves too thin and not making the most of their work situation. The fact is, there’s nothing wrong with embracing the advantages of working from home. Get a luxurious chair that wouldn’t fit in a cubicle (we suggest a papasan or a barrel chair), install the most comfortable lighting, and turn your music up. When the weather is nice, work from the chaise lounge out on the deck. As long as you aren’t running afoul of your company’s policies, there’s no shame in living the indulgent work-from-home life that you deserve.

Global Workplace Analytics estimates that 56% of jobs can be performed at home, and if 2020 has taught us anything, it’s that the work still gets done even when we’re not at the office. As your own professional life moves closer to home, these tips will help keep that work situation as sustainable as possible. If you’re looking to find a place in the Nashville area to serve your home and work life, give Felix Homes a call at [615-354-5731](tel:6153545731), or send us an email at [contact@felixhomes.com](mailto:contact@felixhomes.com). 
</p>

## About Felix Homes

 [Felix Homes](https://www.felixhomes.com/) is where five-star service meets low commissions! To date, we've saved our clients $1,610,738 in commission fees and have earned 120 five-star reviews on [Google](https://maps.app.goo.gl/LPEY1bi5hcW6XGck9)!

How are we able to offer five-star service AND lower commission fees? It's simple:

- We're an independently owned brokerage – not a franchise which allows us to keep more of the commission we earn.
- By offering a lower commission, more folks want to work with us which means we close more deals. By closing more deals, we can pass more savings along to our customers!

Still not convinced? Read all about our low-commission mission [here](https://www.felixhomes.com/blog/low-commission-real-estate-agents-nashville).

If you have any questions about the state of the market or the home buying/selling process, please feel free to contact us at [contact@felixhomes.com](mailto:contact@felixhomes.com) or [615-354-5731](tel:6153545731).

Faulty connections, endless Zoom meetings, children screaming in the background—welcome to working remotely in 2020. Get our top 10 tips for working from home.

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Tips for working from home

Top 10 Tips for Making Work-from-Home Smooth and Productive

Most home sellers have two goals in mind. The first goal is to sell their home for as much money as possible, ultimately maximizing their profit. Their second goal is to sell the home as quickly as possible, so they can close the previous chapter in their life and move onto the next. These are great goals to have, and as a [1.5% commission realtor](https://www.felixhomes.com/blog/one-and-a-half-percent-commission-realtor-nashville) with a mission of being the most financially responsible way to buy or sell a home, we're here to teach you our top tips for staging a house on a budget.

[Home staging](https://porch.com/advice/home-staging) isn't difficult and you shouldn't overthink it. There are many budget-friendly tips and tricks we've learned as real estate agents that can help you get your home ready for the market without breaking the bank. While not all of these goals are specifically related to home staging, they are all recommendations we think every seller should consider before listing their house for sale.

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## Why Is It Important To Get Your Home Ready For The Market?

Every [top real estate agent](https://www.felixhomes.com/blog/how-to-choose-a-top-real-estate-sellers-agent) will tell you that the trick to selling any home quickly and for the highest price comes down to taking amazing listing photos. After all, a joint study conducted by the [National Association of Realtors and Google](https://www.nar.realtor/sites/default/files/documents/Study-Digital-House-Hunt-2013-01_1.pdf) found that 90% of home buyers searched online during their home buying process. The average buyer is scanning through hundreds of online listings on sites like Zillow, Realtor.com, and our very own [home search platform](https://www.felixhomes.com/homes-for-sale/city/tn/nashville) so it's important to make sure your listing stands out from the crowd. A nicely staged home free of any clutter combined with professional photography is a foolproof way to ensure your online listing receives hundreds of views.

![Image of an open concept modern kitchen](https://felix-homes-assets.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/Kitchen_4ffbb0f1ec.jpg)

## Tip 1: Spend time decluttering every room

Cluttered homes not only make rooms feel small, but it also makes it challenging for buyers to think beyond the clutter and visualize living in the space. If you have a cluttered house, before putting your home on the market, you'll want to spend time organizing. When you're getting ready to move, you may want to consider getting rid of, donating, or selling any items you haven't used in a while.

### When it comes to decluttering your house on a budget:

- There's no need to pay for expensive storage options. Instead, consider using your garage, attic, or basement as temporary storage. You'll want to make sure to keep everything organized by using moving boxes. This will not only help you find things more easily when you go to unpack but it will keep all of your belongings in good condition while they're being stored. 
- Post in local Facebook groups to see if any neighbors have extra cardboard moving boxes you could have. Neighbors may have these boxes lying around and taking up space. You'll help them declutter their home, and you'll save some money.
- Host a yard sale to get rid of any items you do not use frequently. This is a great way to kill two birds with one stone. You'll get rid of things you no longer need and add a few bucks to your wallet. 

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## Tip 2: Complete any home repairs that cost less than $100

In almost all cases we would advise against completing major renovations before selling a home. There are plenty of [budget-friendly DIY projects](https://www.felixhomes.com/blog/home-selling-tip-home-repairs-before-you-list) you can do to make your house look great. If the repair costs less than $100, we encourage our clients to do it. 

### Here are a few of the most common repairs we recommend:

- Ensure all doorknobs match throughout the house. If the bedrooms have steel doorknobs, and the bathrooms have gold, that will certainly stand out. 
-  Fix the sink that drips or the toilet that continuously runs. While you're at it, buy a chlorine tablet for the toilet to make sure it is not discolored.
- Make sure the shower curtain and shower mat are new. Bathrooms are a major attraction for any buyer, and a dirty shower curtain sticks out like a sore thumb.
- Consider changing out old outdated light fixtures for a more modern design. Not only will this make any room look updated for under $150, but it will also make the lighting in the room more attractive.
- Replace any broken window blinds that are no longer working properly.
- Consider repainting the interior doors. We don't recommend you repaint your entire house (more on this later) but it is a good idea to give the doors a fresh coat.
- If your kitchen or bathroom is looking dated, consider changing out the cabinet hardware to something more modern.


## Tip 3: Leave it to the pros

Undoubtedly, there are some jobs that are better left for the pros. Just because you're hiring a professional doesn't mean you'll need to break the bank! There are various small upgrades you can ask a professional to complete which won't turn your house into a construction zone. To find local handymen, we recommend making a post in a local Facebook group. Within hours you should get several DMs.

### Here are some of the things buyers appreciate when looking at homes:

- Get the carpets professionally steam cleaned. Not only will this remove unwanted stains and odors, but it will bring life back into an older carpet that can make it look half its actual age. In our experience, professional steam cleaning will cost about $75 per room. Remember to ask the company if they have any discounts or promotions they are currently running.
- Replacing the front door if it looks outdated or dinged up. A potential buyer will quickly identify if your front door is old, squeaky, drafty, or dented. First impressions go a long way. If your front door is in good condition, consider putting a fresh coat of paint on it.
- Consider giving your kitchen cabinets new life. Let's face it, white kitchen cabinets are all the rage. New cabinets cost a small fortune and are not built nearly as well as those built prior to the early 2000s. Instead of replacing your old oak cabinets, hire a handyman to sand them down and paint them white. This may sound expensive but it should only cost around $1,000 and take less than a few days.
- Painting your kitchen cabinets is also the perfect time to add a simple backsplash if you do not already have one. There are tons of videos on YouTube that will show you how to install a backsplash and if you're feeling handy, there is no need to hire a pro for this job. We recommend choosing a timeless backsplash like a simple white subway tile. After these minor updates, you'll be so surprised at how updated your home looks that you may not want to move after all.


![Image of a modern dining room that is virtually staged with furniture](https://felix-homes-assets.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/Dining_Room_7b23fd5e9b.jpg)

## Tip 4: Replace all burnt-out lightbulbs

Real estate agents always stress that a home has proper lighting. After all, it's a major selling point, yet is often overlooked. Most buyers want to see a bright, open home. Keep in mind, not all potential buyers will be touring your home in the daylight, some will be coming to your home in the evening after work hours.

### To make sure your lighting is on point:

- Replace all light bulbs with soft-white LED bulbs in every room. It looks awkward when the lighting tone changes between rooms or light fixtures. 
- Again, consider purchasing new, modern light fixtures online if yours are looking a bit dated. This is by far one of the cheapest ways to update your home.
- Buy an LED light-strip on Amazon for a budget-friendly way to have lighting under your kitchen cabinets.


## Tip 5: If you're staging a house on a budget, Walmart's return policy will be your best friend

While we are not a fan of professional stagers whose cost may run $5,000 or more, we are huge proponents of the concept of light-staging. We don't think you should move-in any new furniture but an accent piece, new rug, or artwork can go a long way. If you want to stage your home but don't want to foot the bill, consider staging your home courtesy of a big-box retailer's return policy. This is a trick of the trade, and the home decor section at Walmart or Target has cute accessories that can make the perfect accent piece for any home. Go on a shopping spree but just remember to save the receipt.

## Tip 6: Fake flowers are a home staging secret weapon

![Image of a small dining room table with flowers in the middle of the table](https://felix-homes-assets.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/Kitchenette_5e445b92ff.jpg)

Flowers add a pop of color to any room and will ensure the listing photos pop. However, fresh flowers are expensive and don't last very long. Considering buying fake flowers from Michaels or Homegoods. They will certainly help bring color to the professional photos we take. 

## Tip 7: Landscaping to boost curb appeal

![Image of a nicely landscaped backyard with a patio set and grill](https://felix-homes-assets.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/Backyard_d375c09c11.jpg)

A potential buyer sees [the outside of your property](https://www.felixhomes.com/blog/want-to-sell-your-home-fast-its-all-about-curb-appeal) before they even step foot inside your home. If you're selling your house, you don't need to go nuts with a backyard or front yard renovation. However, you can't neglect the exterior of your home either. 

### Here are our tips for enhancing the appeal of your exterior without breaking the bank:

- Mulch loses its color over time. Be sure to lay new mulch in flower gardens, and keep the color of the mulch uniform.
- Keep the grass mowed and neatly edged, or considering hiring a professional landscaper to cut the grass while your house is on the market. Every two weeks should do the trick.
- Remove clutter from the yard that is out of place. If you have a pool, make sure there isn't a pool noodle hanging out in the middle of the backyard. Keep all of the outdoor toys and lawn equipment neatly organized and out of sight. 


## Tip 8: Dust light fixtures and ceiling fans

Buyers genuinely care about the overall cleanliness of a home. Any seller should give their home a proper deep cleaning before putting it home on the market. A clean home doesn't cost any money, just a bit of time and elbow grease! If you do decide to hire a professional cleaner, it should cost roughly $150 depending on the size of the house. If you don't have a cleaner already, we'd recommend posting in local Facebook groups to find one.

### Listen up sellers, these are commonly missed places that buyers take notice of:

- Clean all ceiling fans. Ceiling fans are a great accessory, but trap dust and cobweb magnet! 
- Light fixtures. As mentioned above, you should replace your lightbulbs. While you're replacing the bulb, take the time to make sure to give your light fixtures a proper cleaning! 
- Replace the HVAC air filters which will help your home smell better. More on this below.
- Clean the shower and bathtub to make sure they are sparkling. If the caulking around the edge of the shower or bath looks discolored, consider scrapping it off and reapplying. 


## Tip 9: Give the home a fresh scent

By this point, you've done so much to ensure your home looks its best. There is one very important sense that you may be forgetting: smell. In fact, most buyers can be turned off just as easily by the smell of your home as they can by the look of it so make sure your home smells nice. Let's face it, sometimes we become accustomed to the smell of our own home, so we recommend inviting a friend over and asking them to provide you with their honest opinion. You may not feel like your home smells bad, but your friend will quickly call you out if it does (assuming you have a good friend). 

### How do you make your house smell clean and fresh? Simple, here are a few cheap ways to do so:

- Visit the candle section at Walmart or Target. Stay away from overpowering scents like apple pie or Hawaiian sunset. Instead, opt for something neutral like lavender or fresh laundry.
- Be sure to replace the cat litter frequently, and make sure your animals are kept clean. A dirty cat or dog has an unpleasant smell, especially on rainy days. 
- If possible, lightly spray the couch with febreze before a potential buyer comes to tour your home. 


## Tip 10: Pressure wash the exterior

We've spent a lot of time cleaning the inside of the house and making it smell great but don't forget about the outside. If your deck or siding is dirty, you should definitely power wash them. If you don't own a pressure washer, ask a neighbor or rent one from Home Depot. This is another budget-friendly way to boost your curb appeal. If you notice any wood boards that are rotten while you're pressure washing the deck, we recommend replacing them.

## What Home Repairs Should You Avoid

Whereas major renovations [should be avoided](https://www.felixhomes.com/blog/5-home-improvements-that-will-actually-lower-your-homes-value), what about renovating the 'bones' of the house, or the noncosmetic aspects? Our advice remains steady, we recommend you do not complete any major noncosmetic upgrades unless they pose a risk or hazard to the home. 

### Should I replace my old HVAC unit?

We would not recommend replacing the HVAC before selling your home unless it is not working. The cost to replace a unit can easily reach $6,000 - $12,000+. If the machine is working without any major problems, don't stress it even if it's 15 years old. 

### Should I replace my old hot water heater?

Very similar to the HVAC situation, if it's not broke don't fix it. If the hot water works every time, it doesn't need to be a modern energy-efficient piece of equipment. These can be replaced by the new homeowner if/when it finally breaks. 

### Should I put a new roof on the house?

A new roof will certainly make your house look great, but if it's not leaking water or damaged, there is no need to replace it. We've had clients whose roofs were 20+ years old and while it will probably need to be replaced in the next 5 years, it should be up to the new homeowner to do it.

### Should I install new energy-efficient windows?

Broken windows clearly won't sell, and windows with a bad draft may detour some buyers. But if the windows are just old, and still work just fine, let them be. 

Keep in mind, if it's not broken, don't fix it. If you currently own a home and plan on selling in a few years, start to collect and keep maintenance records of your property. A well-maintained HVAC is what a buyer looks for. Don't let the concept of new force you to overspend.

### Repainting the interior

Repainting your home's interior can be a big undertaking. Not only is this time-consuming and expensive, but it's also risky. You may choose a color that's not in demand or one that doesn't appeal to many buyers. If your current paint job has a lot of scuffs, try using a Mr. Clean Magic Eraser (this works like a charm). Our rule of thumb is unless your current paint color is an offensive highlighter yellow or fluorescent green, it will not deter buyers.

### Buying new appliances

We've seen far too many clients spend a lot of money on buying new appliances with the expectation it will help sell their house. That is simply not true. You want to make sure your appliances are working, but they do not need to be brand new just to sell the home. 

### You don't need to pay for a professional stager

If your furniture is dated, it may be tempting to hire a professional stager. This can get expensive, often costing a few thousand dollars. Keep in mind the 10 tips we listed above are a great way to 'stage' your home while on a budget.

With today's technology, it's also possible to virtually stage your home. This saves clients thousands of dollars and still provides buyers with a sense of what the property could look like with furniture.

## About Felix Homes

 [Felix Homes](https://www.felixhomes.com/) is where five-star service meets low commissions! To date, we've saved our clients $1,610,738 in commission fees and have earned 120 five-star reviews on [Google](https://maps.app.goo.gl/LPEY1bi5hcW6XGck9)!

How are we able to offer five-star service AND lower commission fees? It's simple:

- We're an independently owned brokerage – not a franchise which allows us to keep more of the commission we earn.
- By offering a lower commission, more folks want to work with us which means we close more deals. By closing more deals, we can pass more savings along to our customers!

Still not convinced? Read all about our low-commission mission [here](https://www.felixhomes.com/blog/low-commission-real-estate-agents-nashville).

If you have any questions about the state of the market or the home buying/selling process, please feel free to contact us at [contact@felixhomes.com](mailto:contact@felixhomes.com) or [615-354-5731](tel:6153545731).

There are many budget-friendly tips and tricks we've learned as real estate agents that can help you get your home ready for the market without breaking the bank.

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Staging on a budget

Taking amazing listing photos is essential to selling a home quickly and for the highest price. A nicely staged home free of any clutter combined with professional photography is a foolproof way to ensure your online listing receives hundreds of views.

Why is it important to get your home ready for the market?

In almost all cases, it is not recommended to complete major renovations before selling a home. Instead, there are plenty of budget-friendly DIY projects that can be done to make your house look great.

Should I complete major renovations before selling my home?

One way to find a professional to complete small upgrades is to make a post in a local Facebook group asking for recommendations. You may also want to check websites like Thumbtack or Angie's List to find local handymen.

How can I find a professional to complete small upgrades without breaking the bank?

It's generally not necessary to repaint the entire house before selling it, as this can be a time-consuming and costly process. Instead, focus on small touch-ups such as repainting the interior doors or changing out the cabinet hardware in the kitchen or bathroom.

Top 10 Tips for a Stress-Free Moving Day: From Planning to Unpacking

You might also find interesting:

Read This Before Listing Your Home In Nashville

Guaranteed Offer: Pros vs Cons of Selling to an iBuyer (Opendoor)

7 Hidden Risks of Selling Your Home Without a Real Estate Agent

How To Choose A Top Real Estate Agent (Seller's Agent) In Nashville

Staging a House on a Budget: 10 Tips from Experienced Realtors

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