Making home improvements with an eye to increasing your property value requires some planning and thought. Decisions based on personal comfort and design dreams don’t always result in a profit when it comes time to sell your property.
First Impressions Matter! We can’t emphasize this simple fact enough. Start at the driveway and walk through your house like a prospective buyer while considering the following:
• Curb Appeal
• Updating the kitchen and bath
• Replacing worn or outdated fixtures
• Pest management and pets
• Energy Efficient Heating and Cooling
1. Curb Appeal
When it comes to curb appeal a lot of elbow grease and creativity can go a long way. Tidy up your driveway, clean and freshen your entrance and add some pretty plants or seasonal décor at the front door. A fresh coat of paint on the door and making sure your window treatments look good from the outside is a simple project that helps with the wow factor in your home.
2. Updating Kitchen and Bath
Some of the most expensive and time-consuming home improvement projects involve your kitchen and bath. If you plan to stay in the house for several more years, it is generally worth the money to build your dream kitchen or bathroom and enjoy the results now. If you are ready to sell, it is wise to reach out to your realtor to decide if the money you sink into your property will bring an immediate return on your total investment. This type of considerable expense is best determined by overall property values and should be reached by weighing the professional advice you receive. You may find that replacing fixtures, changing out the sink and deep cleaning or painting your cabinets is enough to entice future buyers.
3. Replacing Fixtures
Replacing old fixtures, worn flooring, and painting rooms in a light neutral color will help improve the overall first impression of your home. Now is the time to hold a yard sale and pare down your belongings. Presenting a clean open space including closets and display shelves creates an inviting feel for a potential buyer. Remember, your personal treasures are not crucial to potential buyers trying to imagine living in the space.
4. Pests and Pets
Make sure your home is pest free. Check your crawl space, basement, and attic for signs of pest invasion. Make sure any old evidence is removed, and all gaps and cracks are filled and secured. Be sure to clean up after your pets too. Look for spots where chewing and digging may have occurred both inside and out and refresh bedding and toys.
5. Energy Efficiency
Energy efficiency is not just a rating on the side of your appliances. Consider the age and maintenance of your roofing, siding, heating, and cooling. Energy efficiency is about savings and comfort, and if you plan to stay in your home long term, it may be wise to invest in solar or other updated heating and cooling systems. Again, a return on investment is the top decider in this decision, and your realtor is an excellent source of advice. Being proactive and making the time to repair or replace before a home inspection may minimize your stress during the selling process.
When it comes to preparing your home for market using some elbow grease will result in significant improvements to the overall first impressions of your property. The Gleason Team is happy to discuss where you can best invest your time and money to increase your property values.
