Thinking about selling your home in the next few months or perhaps later in the year? Are you just wanting to make some strategic changes that add function and value which will payoff come resale time? Regardless of the scenario, your house is a very large investment; and, you want to get the biggest return possible. Aside from amortizing your mortgage faster than the scheduled term, there are easy ways to increase home resale value, and, you don’t have to be a licensed contractor or professional handyman.
Easy Ways to Increase Home Resale Value
There are changes which fetch a great ROI, but, there are also home improvements you should outright avoid. For instance, turning a bedroom into a home office or media room might fit your wants and needs, but come resale time, can be the very thing which causes the home to linger longer on the real estate market. Some improvements are even less permanent, but to buyers, are just a turn off; although it can be easily changed, like bold paint colors.
“Is digging up the backyard to put in a pool worth it? What about upgrading a tired-looking kitchen with gleaming marble countertops? And what about installing high-tech speakers—throughout the house? If you’re planning to renovate your home, you may already be asking yourself these very questions. But when it comes to increasing your home’s appraisal value, the answer to them isn’t always a resounding yes.” —Real Simple
If you want your home to sell quickly and for the most money, you’ll need to get it into presentable and sellable shape. This means thinking like a buyer rather than a seller. While there are trends which come and go, some home improvements can boost resale value in a significant way. These are small and strategic, and, don’t require a bundle of cash to pull-off. Here are some easy ways to increase home resale value:
- Neutral, interior paint. You might be bold and like a colorful accent wall, but, not everyone will and even if you don’t have this feature, a fresh coat of neutral, interior paint goes a long, long way. It refreshes the entire home for very little money and effort. If you must have an accent wall, keep it bright and don’t use a color that’s too bold.
- Colorful landscaping. Colorful flowering plants, some mulch around trees and the mailbox, along with a few landscaping decor items on the front porch will project a good impression on buyers. Just keep it light and simple, otherwise, it will look like a maintenance headache. In addition, pressure wash the exterior and the driveway for more effect.
- Get rid of the ugly. Nearly every home has an eyesore or two (maybe more). While you’ve grown used to it and no longer cringe every time you walk by, buyers will undoubtedly notice. Whatever it might be — old wallpaper, worn carpet, or something else — the ugly has got to go.
- Replace hardware. One of the simplest and least expensive ways to transform the look of your kitchen and bathrooms is to replace hardware. Change out pulls, knobs and hinges and you’ll be amazed at how different, and better, these spaces look. You can also paint the cabinets and replace rugs.
- Create an additional bedroom. If you have a den in your home, you could convert it into an additional bedroom. While this will take some elbow grease and a little handy work, you can install a small closet and hang a door. (A word of caution — this improvement won’t always be a plus. Ask your listing agent before you proceed.)
When you’re finished with these suggestions, you should focus on three tasks: depersonalize, declutter, and disinfect. These will do wonders when showing your home and help to impress buyers. For more helpful advice about selling your home, just contact an experienced real estate professional.