Small Updates, Big Return: 5 Ways to Increase Your Home’s Value
No matter your budget, there’s always an upgrade or two that’ll up the resale ante.
Whether your home improvements are for you or potential buyers, consider their impact on your home’s potential resale price before picking up your toolbox (or the phone to call a contractor).
A brand-new kitchen or bathroom will undoubtedly wow potential buyers, but there’s no guarantee you’ll recoup the money you put into those pricey remodels.
Kitchen renovations
Renovating the kitchen is always the biggest way to add value to your home. People love to cook, and everyone tends to gather in the kitchen. If you add seating, such as an island with barstools, buyers go crazy for that.
A full remodel is a major investment, but smaller projects make a big difference if you can’t — or don’t want to — go all out. Nicer appliances really stick out to potential buyers — even if you’re planning to take them with you.
It’s also suggested to replace tired finishes with fresh, neutral materials. You don’t want to be too trendy, but you want it to look up-to-date. Everyone loves clean, white subway tiles now, but they’re really a timeless look.
Replacing dated countertops (quartz is your best bet) and flooring is also worth the time and money.
Bathroom updates
The smallest rooms in the house can have a big impact on its value, so it’s suggested to add a second bathroom or upgrading existing ones so your home features at least two full baths.
People are spending more on upgrading their houses before listing them. They really want to maximize the potential house value. An easy solution is spending a little more on details, like high-quality towel bars and upgraded hardware for those big-box store vanities.
Not in a position to remodel? Re-grouting tile, or even just using one of those grout paint pens, gives any bathroom a fresher look.
Lighting upgrades
The brighter a room feels, the bigger it looks. And when you’re selling, you want every space to look as big as possible.
It’s recommended to replace flush-mount ceiling lights with recessed and/or pendant lighting — a relatively cheap upgrade that looks modern and makes a huge impact.
LED lighting has changed everything. There are so many readily available, inexpensive options now that are easy to install. I added Ikea under-cabinet lighting in the kitchen of my last house, and I was amazed at how that one simple upgrade made the space feel larger and cleaner.
Fresh paint
Like lighting, a new coat of paint can also make a space feel cleaner and brighter. Stick to neutral shades, such as light gray and beige, and if you don’t have time or budget to do the whole house, start with the living areas you see when you first walk in.
An even quicker fix is refreshing just the trim. Beat-up, dirty trim can give buyers a subtle impression that the whole house is dingy. Repainting gives a sharper look and shows the buyer that you’ve taken care of the house.
Landscape improvements
A lot of people overlook how important landscaping is, especially when you’re selling in the spring or summer, you can increase curb appeal by just putting down new, dark-colored mulch, if you don’t want to spend a lot of money on planting.
Pay special attention to the entry. Repair or replace any damaged stepping stones, concrete paths, and porch plants, then give the front door a fresh coat of paint and add some potted plants. You want people to be excited to walk in the door.
