Are you looking to make some upgrades around your home without breaking the bank? There are some simple and affordable ways you can add value to your house. You don’t have to go through a major renovation or spend a ton of money to make your property a more appealing place to live.
What is Your Plan?
The first step is to understand your plan and priorities. There are different reasons why someone might want to invest a little time and money into home improvement projects. If you are fixing things up to make your own life in the house more enjoyable and comfortable, then certain goals will be more important to you. If you making upgrades with a plan to sell your home soon, then you must consider what will be most appealing to potential buyers. The concept of “added value” can be very subjective. What you personally value as a homeowner and resident may be different than what someone else values when looking to buy your home.
For the purpose of this article, we will work on the assumption that you are planning to sell your home in the near future. Any upgrades you make are primarily for the purpose of adding resale value to the property. You want to attract more buyers and generate better purchase offers. Here are some of the affordable ways you can easily add value to your home.
Clean and Paint
A thorough cleaning of the home’s interior can make a big difference when potential buyers are touring the property. You want to eliminate clutter and make each room look as open and inviting as possible. You may want to do a deep cleaning of any carpets, rugs or other flooring surfaces. Pay special attention to the kitchen and bathrooms. A fresh coat of paint will always be beneficial, as well.
Think Neutral
Any upgrades you make or staging measures you take need to be done with the buyers in mind. In real estate, we call this “depersonalization.” You may want to take down some family photos and eliminate décor that is very specific to your own tastes. Even the paint colors can make a difference, as you want to stay more neutral. The goal is for a potential buyer to walk into the home and imagine themselves living there. That’s harder to do if it feels too much like your house.
Improve Curb Appeal and Outdoor Areas
“Curb appeal” is another important concept in real estate sales. If your house doesn’t look good from the outside, nobody will really want to see the inside. Clean up the front porch, entryway, driveway, front lawn and garden. You may consider a new paint job or at least a deep cleaning of the home’s exterior. Don’t forget the back and side yards, as well. Put down new sod or apply some fresh grass seed if the lawn is looking worn out. Plant some new flowers in the garden. Put away children’s toys and other junk.
Fix Up the Little Things
You may not be able to spend the time and money for major repairs or renovations, but at least take care of the little things. Fix leaky faucets and loose wires. Patch holes in walls. Take care of the minor issues that could turn off potential buyers.
Update Your Flooring
This will cost you some money, but it’s not an overly expensive upgrade in the grand scheme of things. This is an especially good idea if your carpet is worn out or any flooring looks old. There are affordable solutions for new flooring, and even the more expensive options may be worth the overall investment in terms of added value.
Focus on Kitchen and Bathrooms
We mentioned this earlier, but it’s an important issue. These are the most important rooms in your home when it comes to attracting buyers and adding value. Living rooms and bedrooms are generally more basic, so buyers can envision how their own furniture and décor might fit. Kitchens and bathrooms are more stylized and specific with appliances, fixtures, floor plans and design features. If you are spending any money to make significant renovations, focus on these rooms first! If you are not making major renovations, there can still be some very simple budget-friendly upgrades for kitchen and bathroom lighting, fixtures, appliances, cabinets and hardware.
Get Smart
Smart technology can enhance a homeowner’s experience, make a home feel more modern, and help improve energy efficiency. It may not be as expensive as you think to upgrade and install some smart appliances. Good examples are video doorbells and smart thermostats. Buyers love to see energy-efficient solutions and may be willing to pay more in order to pay less on utility bills over time. Home security, home entertainment and wireless connectivity are also very important features for today’s buyers.
These are a few affordable solutions that can help you increase your home’s value before selling it. If you are looking to sell your home in Southeastern Pennsylvania or Northern Delaware, contact The Cyr Team today for professional guidance throughout the process. We can help you find the best ways to add value and increase your asking price.