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When it comes to renovations and repairs, every homeowner’s hopes that their investment will increase the value of their home. But often it’s hard to know where to begin and where to spend your budget so you can get the biggest bang for your buck. Here are some ways to boost your home’s resale value no matter what your budget is and when you’re selling.
The Little Things Count
Be sure to declutter and stage your home. Buyers need to be able to imagine living there, and a proper staging can work wonders. It can make it feel brand new. Put in the effort to do paint touch-ups and fix anything else you have grown to overlook since living there.
Do not neglect the front of your house. The moment buyers catch sight of your home is the moment they start judging it. Keeping the lawn clean and groomed goes a long way. If you are really keen on making a good first impression, you might want to invest in a professional photographer as well. Getting people inside your home is the first step in making them fall in love with it.
Make sure your home is up to date on its maintenance, too. It is a good idea to hire an inspector to see what might need to be repaired. Leaky roofs, out of date wiring or dripping faucets can be huge turn-offs in an otherwise perfect home.
The Center of Family Life
The kitchen is the center of family life, which is why renovations here often yield the biggest results. Small changes go a long way, but if you have a budget, it is a good idea to invest it here.
Installing new energy-efficient appliances is a great update, especially if you plan on living there for a few more years. Or, use your budget to install new counters out of engineered stone and granite.
Be wary of massive gut renovations. A kitchen that does not fit the aesthetics of the rest of the house can turn off buyers, or worse, your swanky new kitchen can price you out of your neighborhood, making it hard to draw in house hunters.
Make the Bathrooms Relaxing
It might be wise to spend your budget on the bathroom. Renovations here tend to cost less and have a bigger payoff.
Most buyers are looking for a spa-like atmosphere in the bathroom. Installing a new vanity with a quartz or granite countertop creates a soothing atmosphere. Further, brighten it up by adding windows and updating the lighting.
Also, be sure your bathroom is clean and maintained. Dirty grout, chipped tiles and leaky pipes are huge turn-offs. Fixing these small things first goes a long way.
However, if you’re in an older house, instead of updating the bathroom, you might want to look into adding a new one. A four-bedroom home with two baths is much more appealing than a four-bedroom house with one.
Get Smart and Go Green
For many buyers, especially young and first-time homeowners, making sure their home is energy efficient is a huge draw. It’s better for the environment and saves money in the long run. If buying new appliances, going green is a must, but there are other less obvious energy-saving renovations.
If you’re in a cold environment, investing in storm doors, replacing windows with double or triple-paned glass and installing fiberglass insulation in the attic are great ways to fight the cold and keep heat inside. Adding ceiling fans to rooms is another excellent way to circulate both warm and cool air.
No matter what your budget and timeline are, there are tons of tricks you can do to boost your resale value.