10 Ways To Add Value To Your Home
In this article, we are going to share the top 10 ways that a homeowner can improve their house to add real value and to appeal to a buyer willing to pay top price.
When a homeowner considers the things that may add value to their home, sometimes they mistake personal aesthetic preferences with necessary additions. Things like “man caves” and “she sheds” can often be designed in a way that is too specific to the owner’s style to appeal to a potential or future buyer. Movie theater rooms are more likely to sell better in high-end neighborhoods, if they are neutral in design, but that’s not always a guarantee. And don’t let us start with pools, which create too much liability, expense and insurance issues to be worth it. In this article, we are going to share the top 10 ways that a homeowner can improve their house to add real value and to appeal to a buyer willing to pay top price.
Fresh Paint
Remember, neutral colors are best such as whites, grays and calming tans. You can get a good quality paint for about $30 a gallon and it will do wonders to adding freshness and a sense of simple style to your home.
Update the Kitchen Hardware
It’s not always necessary to go through the expense and hassle of changing out cabinets and countertops, unless they are in horrible condition. New handles and hardware can update your kitchen in a major way and can be inexpensive to boot. Cabinets and counters can use fresh paint and there is paint made appropriately for those items.
REMOVE THE CARPET
(If there is hardwood under the carpet) This is typically the case in older model homes. Carpet holds allergens, odors, dirt and stains that can often be hard and expensive to remove. On top of that, a lot of carpet just makes the house look dated. If you have hardwood floors, opt for it and just remove that carpet.
Curb Appeal
The outside of your home if the first thing that people will see when coming to view your house. Therefore, it’s important that the lawn be neat and mowed. The walkways should be swept, the doors and porch may need to be painted to update the look. And during the holidays, add simple decorations to create a welcoming feel. Make sure the lights work and the gutters and spouts are cleaned. And don’t forget to clean and sweep the patio.
Take Care of Major Repairs
When a home goes into contract, an inspection is always necessary if the buyer is using a mortgage company for a loan. If the major items are not in good working condition, you’ll be asked to take care of them or to lower your asking price. Take care of them sooner rather than later. Leaky faucets and runny toilets are huge. But so is the plumbing and any water damage therein. Update old that furnace and hot water tank, even if just for your own safety and peace of mind. And don’t forget to have any electrical issues repaired.
Declutter Your Home
Make sure your space is neat and organized. A messy, disheveled home is a major distraction to someone interested in your home. Find a proper place for your items and keep it clean. Organize rooms, closets and storage spaces so that all of your things fit neatly and properly.
Update the Kitchen Appliances
The kitchen is the space used for cooking and entertaining, so it tends to be the place where people congregate. Updated appliances are very important to creating a great vibe in the kitchen, that feels current. Here’s a secret: three times a year Lowe’s deeply discounts their appliances to make room for new inventory. You can get great appliances at very affordable prices.
Bathroom Updates
The bathrooms are very important to the value of your home. Make sure that the hardware is updated. If necessary replace the toilet (or just the seats if that’s all that’s necessary). Make sure that the faucets and shower heads are not leaking and that the toilets are not running. The caulking around the tub should be neat, floors should be clean and if need be, add a fresh coat of paint.
Smells Smells Smells
The way your home smells will either attract or repel potential buyers and guests in general. Please don’t smoke inside your home, please do neutralize pet odors and heavy cooking smells. Carpet tends to hold a lot of these odors, so replacing it might be a good idea, if you can afford it. And cleaning your vents will help with the odors a great deal.
Lights Must Work
Visit every room and outdoor space in your home that has a light socket. Make sure the bulbs and all switches work appropriately. Buyers need to see the home as clearly as possible. As well, if the lights don’t work, it could point to an electrical issue that will repel a buyer from giving an offer. Take care of those lights as soon as possible.
