Remodeling your home can be a major drain on your time and your bank account, especially when you’re already planning to buy a new home. That’s why most experts will tell you to avoid any expensive renovations before selling your house. However, there are certain upgrades that will boost your home’s value.
Committed to getting top dollar? Here are a few projects to take on before taking on the housing market according to a Keller Williams real estate agent.
Important things to keep in mind before you start any renovation:
First impressions can make or break the sale of your home, from the state of your roof to the shingles you've chosen. If yours is showing signs of deterioration, it’s a good idea to have a new one installed.
"Roofs can be deal killers, so if your roof is at the end of its shelf-life then it is best to have it fixed prior to listing.:
James Patti | Keller Williams Realty
If your windows don’t stay open or lock properly, it’s time to replace them. Keep the character of your home in mind, as you don’t want to install windows that clash with the look and feel of your house.
Replacing worn out floors and refinishing hardwood goes a long way when it comes to listing your home. When picking carpet for bedrooms, go for neutral colors that will match most future wall colors. Keep in mind that some flooring types are better than others in various rooms.
You may love your navy-blue accent wall, but home buyers might not. Stick with neutral color schemes so potential buyers can easily picture their furniture in your home. Gray tones are in, but try to stay away from any beige or tan hues as they can appear yellow in certain lighting.
As the focal point of your home, the front door should set the tone. In Remodeling magazine, they noted that creating a grand entrance can increase your home’s value by 5.6%.
The master bedroom is where your potential buyers will relax and unwind. It’s not an area they will want to fix up after they move in, so the key is to make your current bedroom as cozy and inviting as possible. Some worthwhile upgrades include updating the ensuite, creating a large walk-in closet and installing the right lighting, but it will pay off in the end.
"A true updated kitchen is what buyers want today. That doesn't mean sellers need to renovate their kitchen prior to selling, but the more updated the kitchen is the better the chance to get top dollar and sell quickly."
James Patti | Keller Williams Reality
Upgrading the kitchen to reflect the latest episode of “Fixer Upper” on HGTV can cost you more than it’s worth, but small upgrades to your kitchen can have a big impact on your final sale price and should give you a 70% return on investment. Give your kitchen a fresh makeover by refacing or painting old cabinets, with new hardware to match. Couple that with sleek light fixtures and new stainless steel or matte appliances will make your kitchen appeal to a wide range of buyers.
If you know there’s a broken window in the attic, live wires hanging from the basement ceiling or a leaky faucet, replace and fix them. Chances are these issues will come up in a home inspection and buyers will require them to be fixed before moving forward with the purchase.
“I always tell our clients after a pre-inspection or pre-walk through, the more you can fix and eliminate prior to listing the better off you will be. There is nothing worse than having a home go under contract and then 2 weeks after the inspection have the deal fall apart for something we didn’t see or know about with the home until the buyer’s inspection. Being thorough in the prep of a listing is so key to getting it sold.”
James Patti | Keller Williams Realty
The most important thing is which home improvement projects will add value and make financial sense for you. Do a walk-through of your property to determine what you should change to appeal to potential buyers.
Are you planning to sell a home soon? What kinds of upgrades are you considering?