If you’re looking to sell your home this year or early next, then you’ve probably started noticing all the things you think you need to change to get it ready to list.
The kitchen you always wanted to renovate. The dated wallpaper in the bathroom. The laundry room that just didn’t function well.
Well, before you start getting quotes from contractors and digging into your savings, it’s important to know that major renovations almost invariably have a much lower return on investment (ROI) than small- to mid-range ones.
The reason? Buyers don’t actually need a fully remodeled kitchen or perfectly modern bathroom. Instead, buyers tend to focus on specific details when they’re looking at a home, and if you get these right, you’ll be more likely to make a quick sale.
With that in mind, here are eight fall home updates that will increase your home value.
-
Paint your kitchen cabinets.
Putting in new kitchen cabinets is expensive, with an average cost of about $5,000.
Painting them, on the other hand, can give your entire kitchen a fresh, new look for nothing more than the cost of a few cans of paint.
Choose white or another neutral color to make your space feel larger and brighter. For another easy, high-impact upgrade, install new updated hardware as well.
-
Install stainless steel appliances.
Replacing all your appliances isn’t necessarily inexpensive, but the ROI makes it worth it: according to HomeLight’s Top Agent Insights Q3 2019 report, installing stainless appliances will cost an estimated $4,229 with an estimated return of $5,982.
Your safest bet is to stick to traditional stainless, unless your agent recommends you go with black stainless because it’s more popular in your market.
-
Tidy up your landscaping.
Thinking of adding a rock wall and terraced garden to your backyard before you sell? Think again.
Fancy landscaping is by no means necessary when it comes to selling a house—in fact, potential buyers might be turned off by the landscaping because they know it will require lots of maintenance.
Instead, keep your lawn raked, mowed, and edged and trim your bushes or trees. A simple but well-cared-for lawn will go a long way toward enhancing your curb appeal, which is crucial to getting potential buyers in the door.
-
Clean your gutters and downspouts.
Fall is also the perfect time to clean your gutters and downspouts to get rid of any leaf debris.
Clean gutters go a long way toward keeping your roof in good condition, so it’s an important piece of home maintenance, and one that will give buyers confidence that your home has been taken care of.
-
Add under-cabinet lighting.
Once your cabinets have gotten a facelift, up the impact by installing some soft lighting underneath. You can pick up some LED puck lights for less than $20, according to HGTV, and install them in minutes.
-
Update bathroom fixtures.
If your bathrooms are looking tired, an easy way to give them an instant update is to install new hardware. Opt for modern, but timeless finishes like brushed nickel, rather than super-trendy options, to make sure your choice will appeal to a wide range of buyers.
-
Install new weatherstripping.
Colder weather means it’s time to make sure your home’s insulation is in top shape. One of the most cost-effective ways to do this is to check your weatherstripping around doors—if it’s getting worn, that means it’s time to replace it.
-
Add a smart thermostat.
Energy efficiency is a hot topic for many homebuyers these days, and a smart thermostat—one that can be programmed to adjust the temperature based on who’s home, time of day, and other factors—can be an excellent investment once fall arrives.
With these fall renovations and updates, your house will be ready to sell in no time.
Courtesy of Homelight
Posted by Florida Realty Marketplace on
Leave A Comment