If you plan to sell your house soon, you need to prepare as soon as possible. Before putting a house on sale, you need to maximize its value to get higher profits and buy a much bigger property next time around. Selling it for a practical price will not leave a lasting impression; your home should be aesthetically pleasing and fully functional to get a bigger pool of interested buyers in the ever-competitive real estate market.
Increasing the value of your home starts with major projects, renovation, and home upgrades. But the impact of an upgrade or project depends on the current home value and existing market. Unfortunately, it’s tough to predict home value since the real estate market is always changing depending on the demand, available homes, and inflation.
The good news is there are ways to increase the value of your home by making it more functional and applying smart improvements and necessary repairs. If you need more assurance that your house is worthy of an investment in the future, here are some ways to enhance home value.
Curb appeal
Landscaping is likely the cheapest, easiest, and best way to increase home value during the first year. From well-trimmed lawns, blooming flowers, to lush trees, some greenery makes a home look attractive. If you have a limited garden space, make the most out of it by transforming the backyard into an entertainment space by adding a patio or deck. Keep in mind that first impressions last when selling a home so you need to attract buyers with a lovely landscape.
According to a survey by the National Association of Realtors, 74% of realtors suggest that sellers must complete their landscape maintenance project to land a sale easily. A well-kept landscape promotes a greater desire for buyers and improves the livability of a home. Not only that, but it also reduces utility costs by keeping the property cool during the hot summer seasons.
For dirty walkways and driveways, hire a power washing service to remove the stubborn dirt and wipe the grime off the home exterior. Make the garden look inviting and fresh by pulling off dead plants and turning the boring yard into something appealing. Try investing in ground cover, shrubs, mulch, trees, rocks, and new soil for a well-maintained look.
Kitchen and bathrooms upgrades
Since the kitchen is the most essential communal space of any homeowner, buyers prefer a functional kitchen while looking modern and sleek. In fact, kitchens bring the highest returns on investment. Do this by replacing old kitchen equipment with new and matching appliances. Instead of black or white appliances, use stainless steel to look more high-end.
For old cupboards and cabinets, transform them with gourmet-style cabinets and replace the overhead fluorescent light with monorail lighting. If you’re not willing to replace them, paint them using kitchen-friendly colors. Don’t forget to replace the rusty metal handles and hinges by installing stylish cabinet pulls for a special flair. Meanwhile, aging countertops look better by swapping them out for granite or quartz.
A full renovation for the bathroom isn’t necessary, especially if it is in good working condition and functional. But you can upgrade it by making small repairs and changing the fixtures, toilets, and vanities. Minor repairs include changing the tile grout and repainting the walls. Repair chipping or cracks in the sink or replace them with stylish sinks.
Floor plan
If you bought a house that’s too choppy or closed off, changing the floor plan and knocking off walls will make way for an open arrangement. An open design creates more room for natural right, making the house look inviting. Home buyers these days prefer spacious homes, where they can easily interact with family members without the annoying walls between living rooms, kitchen, and dining room.
You can also add more square footage in the family room, dining room, and bathroom. As much as possible, maximize every space to form an impression of a bigger home. This will attract buyers, especially with several family members. Adding a decent-sized bedroom can also widen the list of buyers since more people prefer houses with more bedrooms. You may also consider converting the basement, attic, and deck to accommodate more living space since they make great home office spots.
Although improving the value of a home may seem an overwhelming task, you need to do it one step at a time and consult real estate professionals to achieve the target sale. A great tip is to focus on projects that don’t need a larger investment and energy. As you progress, you can work on bigger upgrades until you have exerted all your efforts to increase the home value.
