When your home is for sale, you might wonder which upgrades would maximize your price and attract a buyer more quickly. Home improvements don’t always pay off—before embarking on a project, it’s important to consider the likelihood that it will actually increase your home’s value enough to leave you with a profit margin that renders your time and effort worthwhile.
- Create a more open floor plan. Open floor plans seem to be more popular with each passing year. By strategically knocking down a wall or two—particularly around your kitchen and living area—you can create a more open floor plan that makes your home look brighter and more spacious and offers a convenient gathering space. However, it’s advisable to consult a contractor to ensure that you don’t eliminate a support wall.
- Tidy the landscaping. When prospective buyers arrive at your home, the landscaping is one of the first things they notice—and an unkempt yard may give the impression that the home is not well-maintained. According to a 2018 survey from the National Association of Realtors®, simple actions like pruning shrubs, laying mulch, mowing the lawn, and planting flowers on an average-sized property yielded a 100% ROI.
- Touch up exterior paint. Paint touch-ups offer an easier, more budget-friendly alternative to repainting your entire house. To create anewer look, simply paint over any areas that are chipping or peeling, pressure wash the exterior to clean dirty spots, and consider applying a boldly colored coat of paint to the front door as a way to make the entrance pop.
- Upgrade kitchen and bathroom hardware. Faucets, doorknobs,and cabinet or drawer pulls may seem insignificant—but having outdated versions of these items can make your home less appealing to buyers. Fortunately, this is an easy and inexpensive fix. Consider replacing any older hardware with brushed nickel, oil-rubbed bronze, or stainless steel.
Sources: homelight.com & nar.realtor
