Planning on updating your home? Before you make changes, consider if the updates will bring value to your home when it's time to sell. Are you remodeling for your quality of life or to increase your home's value or resale price?
In this blog, we give some general suggestions to help guide your remodeling choices toward those that will be most likely to increase your home's value. Ultimately, the best course of action is to consult a real estate agent in your area. He or she will have more in-depth knowledge about what buyers are looking for, as well as specific suggestions for your home.
Here are some home improvements that can add resale value to your home:
Remodeling the Kitchen
If you have a kitchen that has seen better days, an update may be the right thing to do. A total renovation can be expensive, so consider cosmetic changes before committing to any major updating.
Small investments can make a huge difference in your kitchen's appearance.
Read MoreUpdating the Bathrooms
Bathrooms are one of the most popular home improvement projects for homeowners. And, it's a project that can pay off! Keep your renovation simple with paint, new lighting and fresh caulk. If you keep your update under $5,000, it may be possible to turn a profit when selling.
If you need more extensive work in the bathroom, do not go overboard with the tub, shower and floor.
A Lighting Makeover
New lights can be relatively inexpensive and make a big impact. Consider replacing light bulbs with brighter, more efficient ones. While you're at it, purchase new light switch covers.
Replacing the Windows
If the windows are efficient and in good shape, consider adding trim to give that "wow" factor. Molding works wonders! If your windows are drafty, old, or do not open correctly, you may want to consider replacing them. Most of this cost will be recouped in the sale of your home. In the meantime, you'll enjoy energy savings from new windows.
Installing Wood or LVT Floors
Before installing wall-to-wall carpet, think about using hardwood or laminate flooring instead. Buyers prefer these type of materials over carpeting, so it can add to the resale value of your home.
A New Front Door
New doors can be expensive, but can greatly add to the resale value of your home. If you aren't prepared for the expense or if your front door is in good condition, consider updating the hardware. Add a new welcome mat and you will be set!
Refreshing the Landscaping
Curb appeal is very important when selling your home, but there is a fine line between appealing to buyers and overdoing landscaping projects. High-maintenance gardens could be daunting to prospective buyers. Keep it simple: add new flowers and plants and be sure to pull weeds. Add walkway lights.
Adding a New Deck
A new deck can be an attractive feature for buyers and could easily add to the resale value of your home. If your deck is in good condition, consider staining or painting it to freshen it up. Add lighting to your deck to create ambiance.
Cleaning Out the Garage
Garage conversions will not work in your favor, so the best bet is to clear out this space so buyers can use it for their cars and storage. If you have already converted it into a bedroom, study, gym or other type of room, your best investment will be converting the space back into a garage. Paint the garage floor to freshen it up and add storage shelves if needed.
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