When preparing to sell your home, you want to ensure that you have done all you can to increase the value before it goes on the market. The goal is to present the property in a way that gives a great first impression when viewed by potential buyers, and by working on some of the aspects listed in this article you can increase your chances of selling quickly, and for a good price.
It’s important to bear in mind that this value can come in different forms – some will add tangible increases to your sales price, while others will be valuable to buyers and help you sell your home faster.These are the top 10 ways to increase the value of your home before you sell it. Also, if you want to gain a better understanding of how to calculate the final value of the property after repairs, this simple guide can help.
1. Look At Landscaping
If you’re planning to sell your home, your preparation work should go beyond the walls and into the exterior of the property. Many home sellers overlook the importance of presenting a garden that is in good condition, and this is an oversight that potential buyers will take instantaneous note of.
Fixing up the garden by purchasing new soil, some greenery like shrubs and trimming trees will increase the property’s curb appeal and give the property that ready-to-move-into feeling.
2. Create Lots Of Lighting
Installing good lighting is one of the most powerful tools available in the home seller’s arsenal.
This step can be as simple as changing the types of lights used in the property and upgrading the light fixtures or installing new lighting in spaces that need some brightness (including property exteriors and gardens.)
Inside the property, lighting can make rooms feel bigger, particularly when paired with freshly-painted walls.
3. Paint Interior And Exterior Walls
It goes without saying that no prospective homebuyer wants to walk into a property for sale and see cracked, moldy, or chipped walls.
Painting interior walls, and even exterior ones, is a great way to make the property feel fresh and new at a very low cost. Experts recommend using a neutral palette when painting in order to appeal to as many potential buyers as possible.
4. Kick The Kitchen Up A Notch
The kitchen is the heart of the home, and the National Association of Realtors has repeatedly ranked a good kitchen remodel as the best home upgrade for the purpose of increasing property value.
The cost of a kitchen remodel will depend entirely on what you choose to do, and there are several ways to keep things cost-effective. Installing new backsplash tiles and painting or replacing the cabinet doors is a great place to start.
5. Fix Up The Flooring
Floors are one of the first home features that homebuyers notice when they walk into the home, and installing the right flooring will increase your property value substantially. Hardwood floors are the most consistently popular option for their longevity and easy maintenance but can be expensive.
More affordable alternatives like luxury vinyl plank flooring or tiles are a close second option that can completely change the feeling of the property.
6. Upgrade The Bathrooms
Making upgrades to existing bathrooms in your home or even adding an extra one if you have the budget can have a great impact on the value of your home. The best bathroom upgrades are aimed at making the space more functional.
Again, this can be as simple as installing some lights or replacing the tile grout, or if you have space and budget available consider adding a second sink and all new fixtures.
7. Find Ways To Go Green
The homebuyers of today are more in touch with their impact on the environment, and they’ll give extra consideration to properties that are green as a result. According to The Appraisal Journal, adding energy-saving features alone can make the property more desirable to potential buyers.
Some easy and affordable ways to make your property more eco-friendly is to put in low-flow showerheads and taps, use energy-saving lightbulbs, and install smart meters for heating systems.
8. Add Smart Storage Space
This one is particularly necessary if you are selling your home in an area that is popular with families, or if you have a smaller property. More established homebuyers will come with more belongings and adding closets, drawers, shelves, and other smart storage solutions could be a big draw for them.
9. Install Blinds Or Shutters
Installing blinds or shutters is an easy way to add more value to your home. They let more light into the property, have a more modern feel than curtains, and are incredibly versatile – the numerous different styles and materials mean there is something suitable for every budget.
Blinds can add a layer of insulation to windows in colder months and keep the space breathable in warmer months. Homebuyers also love how easy they are to clean!
10. Don’t Forget The Ceilings
Ceilings are often neglected when homes are being renovated, but making changes to a property’s ceiling can add a lot of architectural interest. The first suggestion here is to get rid of any popcorn ceilings if your home has them, as this dates your property significantly. Smooth ceilings with features like crown molding are preferred by buyers and will make the overall space feel updated.
Final Thoughts
Making all of these upgrades to your home before selling might not always bring value in a way that adds to the actual final sales price, but they can be worthwhile in terms of attracting homebuyers. Ultimately it comes down to knowing what buyers will expect and trying to meet those expectations.
Lastly, you may want to get a better sense of how much your home will be worth, before you make any upgrades. To help with this, check out our detailed guide on the most accurate home value estimator.