Increase The Value Of Your Home
11 Tips To Increase The Value Of Your Home
When you need to put your home up for sale, you should have two priorities:
Maximize the amount of money you can get for it
Get it sold quickly
To achieve these goals, there are some fairly simple things you can do to add buyer appeal.
1. Make Space
Buyers today prefer open-plan homes. Can you create space by taking out non-structural walls? It is relatively inexpensive to do this, and it can make your home appear much roomier than it is. If you have an island in your kitchen, think about getting rid of it. Remove bulky furniture – either sell it, or put it in storage.
Get rid of clutter. When you sell your home, you have to take everything out, so get a head start by doing so before people come to look at your house. This makes it easier for buyers to visualize what the home will look like when they move their stuff in.
Remember, clutter is anything that does not need to be there. That includes things like bookcases and pictures or paintings on the walls. Leave just a handful of pictures so that walls do not look too bare. Don’t be tempted to just bung everything into the garage. Your garage should also be clear of clutter.
2. Add Light
The brighter your home looks, the more appealing it will be to buyers. If possible, maximize the amount of natural light. You could try installing sun tubes. These funnel natural light through fittings in the roof and ceiling. Use up-lighters and down-lighters in your rooms to create atmosphere. Turn these on before each viewing, even if it’s daytime.
3. Update Your Bathroom
Even though a bathroom is a utility space, it can make or break your home’s appeal. Replace your tub and sink with modern ones. Get appealing faucets rather than utilitarian ones. Add wall-mounted lighting to make your bathroom feel more like a spa. Modernize cabinets and counter tops. Granite is one of the most popular choices. Underfloor heating is a great selling point.
4. Upgrade Your Kitchen
If your cabinets look dated, think about replacing them. If the cost of doing so is too high, you can breathe new life into them by painting them a fresh, attractive color. Also think about replacing your counter tops.
5. Update The Paintwork
You may be able to get away with just touching up. However, if your home has vibrant paintwork, you need to get rid if it. Every real estate broker will tell you of the importance of having neutral colors. Having neutral colors makes it easier for buyers to imagine what the home will look like when they move in, just as creating space does. Before painting, make sure you use filler to get rid of any holes or dents in your walls. Don’t forget your ceilings – if they look faded, they need to be painted as well.
6. De-Personalize
This is another trick to help buyers see your home as a blank canvas. Get rid of family photos and other personal memorabilia. As mentioned above, leave some pictures to break up wall space, but make sure they are neutral. Pictures of landscapes or flowers are best. Pack up other personal items like artwork. Do the same with things like throws, bed-clothes and floor mats, unless they are neutral.
7. Clean, Clean, Clean
Smudges and smears often go unnoticed by homeowners, but visitors spot them straight away. Likewise, dust and cobwebs are often left to build up, and that too creates a negative impression. Give your home a deep clean. Think about getting professionals in to do this.
Occupiers often become ‘nose blind’ to unpleasant odors because they live with them. If you have pets indoors, they can make your home smell. Use air-fresheners throughout the home. Burn scented candles or incense regularly.
8. Curb Appeal
Don’t forget the outside of your home. After all, it’s the first thing viewers will see, so make sure they are impressed. Flowers and plants are great at giving a positive vibe. Classy lanterns and other mood lighting add even more value. Make sure everything outside looks clean and tidy. Drive around your neighborhood and photo those homes you think have curb appeal. Use the photos to guide you in improving your home”s curb appeal.
Keep in mind that viewers will want to look all around the outside of your home, so make sure you pay attention to the sides and the rear.
9. Fix or Fling
Most of us long-finger certain jobs around our homes, so you will almost certainly find repair jobs you should tackle. Things like broken tiles and damaged counter tops should all be fixed or replaced. Worn carpets are another big turn-off for buyers. Remember to fix any damaged items on the outside as well. Your goal should be to remove any question marks about your home.
10. Get Independent Opinions
Ask friends or neighbors to come inspect your home and tell you what they like or don’t like. Encourage them to be completely honest. However, make absolutely sure that you will not take offense at anything they perceive as negative points about your home. Always remember that you will soon be leaving it, so there is no need to feel aggrieved if people point out negative aspects.
11. Organize Your Own Home Inspection
You can be fairly certain that any potential buyers will want to have your home inspected before they complete the purchase. It can be very disheartening to have a sale fall through, or for an offer to be reduced, following an inspection. You can prevent this happening by getting your own inspection done. That gives you the chance to put things right before a buyer’s inspection.
While it costs money to make your home more appealing, you will almost certainly recoup your expenditure if your improvements add value to your home. By planning those improvements carefully, you can keep costs down, minimize disruption, and end up with a home that people will want to buy.