11 Ways to Increase your Home re-Sale Value
Plenty of people put a lot of money into their home prior to selling and are quite often disappointed about the return they make on the investment.
Upgrades like full kitchen renovations, for example, are an absolute dream for the bakers and chefs of the world but can be extremely expensive (upwards of $100,000+), this does not mean you will get $100,000+ added to the price of your home when selling it.
So let's try to look at some less expensive, tried and true ways to increase the value of your home without overspending. The return you will get is greater than the investment you put in, making it worth your time and money.
Home For Sale, Sign is Up, Now What?
A fresh coat of paint makes a major difference to the eye of a potential buyer. It is a lot of work, but fairly inexpensive if you consider the return. If you are a good painter then go ahead and do it yourself, but if you are going to make a mess consider hiring a professional. A bad paint job can give you the opposite effect you are going for.
Another pro tip *avoid dark colors, use light neutral tones like whites, off whites, light greys, and other brighter style colors that make the home more cheerful, clean, and open. You might like that dark color but you're trying to appeal to the most people possible, staying light and neutral will help you appeal to more potential buyers.
Paint makes everything fresh, light neutral colors are most inviting
Upgrading your entire kitchen can be costly and doesn't give back what you put in financially. Instead, let's look at a few things you can do that aren't as expensive to do in the kitchen that make a dramatic difference when selling your home.
Try matching the appliances as best as you can. Yard sales, used stores, and online marketplaces are a great place to find used appliances when on a budget. You can also try sale sections in many of the big box stores to get a new fridge with a little dent for half price. Buying new will get the result you want but be sure it is worth the cost, and not hard on your financial situation.
Tile backsplashes add a lot of value for fairly low cost, they add a touch of class to any kitchen.
Update the flooring if it is not in good condition, bad floors make people want lower prices for a home sale.
Add things like new taps, matching handles, energy-efficient bulbs, fresh paint on walls and cupboards, and declutter until your space looks fresh, clean, open, and inviting.
It doesn't have to be expensive, go for a clean new and fresh look.
Keep your Kitchen Clean and Bright
Small details matter, check to see that doors, drawers, and cupboards all have handles that are simple and fit in the decor of the room/area they are in. Sometimes painting, and thrift store finds can be great. Handles can be costly so do what you can with what you have. Think simple, the more clean and simple the design and color the more people it will appeal to. Simplify, simplify, simplify.
Simplify Doorknobs and Handles
Update, modernize, and simplify, interior and exterior lights that don't match the decor or are in poor condition. Lights in good condition may need to be cleaned. *Pro-tip: Be sure to turn lights off and let them cool for a few minutes before cleaning, remove light with a towel to protect the light and your hand.
Up to date, simplified Lighting streamlines the property
The drive u5p to your home and the walk to your door are a great time to make a good impression. Take care of the walkway, grass, step and front door. Take away any brown branches, leaves, or grass. Keep the lawn mowed, garden weeded, and the overgrowth removed. Make sure the step is clean and clear to walk. Be sure the front entry looks appealing. You can add/paint a feature door in a beautiful color or design. Most of this can be done for no cost, making it very worth doing.
Curb Appeal leaves a first impression
Get a lot of value-added back with small changes, fresh taps, fresh paint, fresh shower curtain, new tile floor, backsplash, clean or modernize the toilet if you cannot clean it to a clean shine. Empty the waste bin, and keep the toilet paper, soap dish, and towel rack filled.
A Bathroom should be clean and modern
Staging a home is VERY different from designing or decorating your home because it's not about you at all. There's no polite way to say it, but not everyone likes your pets, children, hobbies, sports teams, religion, or anything personal. While your personal things are out, the potential buyer is not able to picture THEIR things in YOUR space. Removing personal items helps allow them to picture their lives in the space.
Staging allows buyers to imagine themselves there
People will notice a dirty home, dirty homes are less likely to sell. While in the selling stage, do your best to keep floors clear, windows and mirrors clean, bathrooms clean, garbages empty. Keep any areas people will be walking through clear and easy to walk through. Clean any cooking mess, clean floors, and keep personal items away. This is no cost to you but will add lots of value to the ability to sell your home.
Add simple things that appeal to the senses. Beautiful potted plants, light scents such as baked goods, add a feeling of comfort that make potential buyers feel at ease. Adding good photos of your space on the listing makes a huge difference to people feeling invited into the space, do not be shy to invest in great photos.
Details for the Senses increase buyer comfort
Paperwork is not fun, get a real estate agent when selling. They know how to get you the best price, they have knowledge of how your home should be priced. Real Estate Agents have a greater reach than you would have on your own in your community and people looking to move into your community from outside the area as well. Be legally worry-free, that's also worth a mention. ;)
Real Estate Agents are here to help
11. Don't take it personally
This will save you time, not necessarily money. Realize that comments made by potential buyers are not a reflection of you as a person, but rather only a reflection of their personal taste, so avoid feeling offended by comments made and just focus on selling your home for a great price.
