When people start considering selling their home in , upgrades are often the first step they take. However, overdoing it or investing in upgrades that don’t yield a significant return can waste both time and money.
To help you navigate this process, we have compiled a comprehensive list: 3 valuable upgrades worth investing in and 3 that you should avoid. By focusing on the right improvements, you can enhance your home’s appeal without unnecessary expenditures.
3 Upgrades To Invest In:
Do: Paint
A fresh coat of paint can effortlessly brighten and rejuvenate a room, creating a more inviting atmosphere. It’s best to stick with neutral colors and incorporate pops of color through accessories like throw pillows or artwork. Painting is a relatively low-cost upgrade that can make a significant difference in the overall look and feel of your home.
Additionally, a fresh coat of paint will cover any dings, nail holes, and other imperfections on the walls, giving your space a polished and well-maintained appearance. This simple yet impactful improvement can greatly enhance the appeal of your home to potential buyers.
Do: A Kitchen & Bath Facelift
You’ve likely heard that upgrading the kitchen and bathroom are among the best ways to enhance your home’s value. However, smaller, cost-effective upgrades can also make a significant impact without breaking the bank.
Consider new faucets, drawer pulls, and resurfacing your cabinets to revitalize these spaces affordably. Many appliance manufacturers offer new and differently colored faceplates. For instance, swapping out the front of your dishwasher to match the other appliances is an economical way to achieve a cohesive look.
The same principles apply to giving your bathroom a quick makeover. Vinyl tiles can be placed directly over your existing floor. Perform a deep cleaning of the grout, and re-grout if necessary. Fix any cracked tiles or broken hardware, like wobbly towel racks. Instead of a complete shower renovation, consider installing a pre-fabricated cover, which is much cheaper than a full overhaul. These minor upgrades can significantly improve your home’s appeal and functionality.
Do: Landscaping
Planting vibrant flowers in the front yard or using a fast-spreading ground cover can instantly boost your home’s curb appeal. If necessary, trim trees and bushes and maintain a neatly mowed lawn for a polished look.
Depending on your climate, consider planting succulents or laying down decorative rocks to create a low-maintenance yet visually appealing space. Adding a fresh coat of paint to your mailbox or installing a bird feeder and some hanging plants can also enhance your home’s exterior charm.
These small touches, combined with a well-groomed yard, will make a welcoming impression and draw anyone in, making your home stand out beautifully. Simple enhancements like these can significantly elevate the overall attractiveness and desirability of your property.
3 To Forget About:
Don’t: Finish The Basement
This could evolve into a major project, becoming both expensive and time-consuming. Statistics indicate you won’t recoup anywhere near what you invest in it.
Generally, most homebuyers prefer to renovate the space according to their own tastes and needs. They might envision an open game room or the addition of a few extra bedrooms.
When setting the price for your home, be sure to factor in the unfinished space and clearly communicate to buyers that this is reflected in your pricing. By doing so, you provide transparency and allow potential buyers to see the value in customizing the space to fit their unique preferences, ultimately making your property more attractive and marketable.
Don’t: Add a Patio, Deck or Pool
Once again, this can become very costly without yielding a significant return on investment. If you have an open area, consider using plants or pavers to tidy up and enhance the space. New homeowners can build a deck if they choose, tailoring it to their specific tastes and requirements.
Adding a pool can be an extravagant expense without substantially increasing your home’s asking price. In fact, a pool might even deter potential buyers.
Prospective buyers with young children might be concerned about safety, and many people may not want to deal with the hassle and maintenance of owning a pool. By keeping these factors in mind, you can better prepare your home for sale, making it more appealing to a wider range of buyers while avoiding unnecessary expenses.
Don’t: Do A Major Renovation to The Kitchen or Bathrooms
Avoid spending money on a complete overhaul unless it is absolutely necessary due to severe water or fire damage. The costs are often unjustifiable, particularly when homebuyers will have their own preferences and tastes.
Many potential buyers would prefer a credit towards the home price, giving them the flexibility to upgrade the property according to their own specifications. By offering a financial incentive instead of undertaking extensive renovations, you can save money and provide buyers the opportunity to customize the home to their liking. This approach can make your property more appealing and ultimately more marketable.
In summary: Don’t over-improve… keep it simple!