Whether you’re trying to sell your home now or sometime down the road, there are a number of home improvement projects that will pay off. This Old House gathered opinions from realtors around the U.S. to see what matters most.
- “Create Space”
Opening up space, whether that includes removing a non-structural wall or the kitchen island, can be a big plus for buyers and Boost Your Home Value. - “Prune, Limb, and Lanscape”
Your home’s exterior condition is crucial. Overgrown vegetation can block good natural light indoors, cause issues like mold, and be an overall eye sore. Landscape also happens to be one of the top 3 investments to bring the biggest return. - “Let in the Light”
Consider the lighting in all areas of your house. Sun tubes are becoming more popular to increase the amount of natural light in the home. Other enhancements can be more simple, like installing dimmer switches. - “Don’t Put Off Care and Maintenance”
The little things add up to a mountain of work over time. Whereas taking care of leaky windows, installing storm doors, and even weeding can greatly increase your home’s value. Brokers across the country have noted “the houses that get attention in this buyers market are in tip-top shape.” - “Go Green”
Replacing old heating or air conditioning units with modern ones can equate to savings between 30-40%. It also adds great value to your property and makes your home more desirable to buyers. - “Home Begins at the Front Door”
One realtor says, “don’t underestimate the power of a front door.” People can make up their minds about a house before even entering it, so functioning doorbells, proper overhangs, and overall curb appeal go a long way. - “What’s Under Your Feet?”
Watch where you walk. Improving your flooring can be as simple as repairing broken tile, or patching and fixing squeaky floorboards. Depending on your case, new floors could easily be worth the investment. - “Easy Bath Upgrades”
Bathroom overhauls can get pricey, but there are several improvements you can make without breaking the bank. Cleaning grout, fresh caulk, updated doorknobs, replacing frosted glass with clear glass, maybe a new faucet––the right changes can have a big impact. - “Neutral Wall Colors”
When putting your house on the market, it’ll often need some interior paint touch ups. One realtor says, “Get out of your personal taste.” Go neutral to appeal to a wider audience and allow for buyers to imagine themselves in the space. - “Remove the Question Marks from Your House”
One good tip is to get an honest friend’s impartial advice about what in your house is drawing too much negative or questionable attention. There are many things you learn to overlook or don’t notice: outdated wallpaper, a broken front step, squeaky doors, and so on. Fix it or remove it so it won’t detract buyers.
We hope these tips will help Boost Your Home Value. Contact one of our knowledgable Sanibel realtors if you’re interested in a comprehensive market analysis on your property. You can also fill our our Home Value Request for more information and search our MLS for available properties, or get in touch with our office at 239-272-2411 for general inquiries. Whether you’re buying, selling, or just looking, we’re more than happy to help you find the Sanibel realtor that’s the right fit for you.
Source: "Brokers Tell All: 10 Ways to Boost House Value;" -This Old House
RELATED ARTICLES:
Buying or Selling a Fully Furnished Home, is it Right for You?
This article is provided by John R Wood Properties, a full service Sanibel Island real estate agency with people who love where they live as much as what they do. Our Sanibel and Captiva Island realtors have local knowledge and decades of combined experience. They are passionate and dedicated to exceeding your real estate needs.
About the author: Nina Rogers is a writer, designer, and illustrator who grew up on Sanibel Island. As a Communications Content Manager for John R Wood Properties, Nina enjoys keeping people updated with the latest in local news and Sanibel real estate.