Are you getting ready to list your home? Real estate professionals agree that prepping a home for sale entices potential buyers to take a closer look at your property, which is half the battle in getting a house sold. That said, you don’t want to invest a ton of time and effort in this process. Here are three effective home renovation projects that increase your home’s equity and make it more desirable to homebuyers.
1. Upgrade Your Kitchen Counters
When you check out some of the other houses on the market within your home’s price range, one way to see how your home measures up to the rest is in the condition of the kitchen. The quickest way to get your kitchen on par with the market is to install quality countertops. Consult your local countertop installation professionals to select a finish that works with the overall aesthetic of your kitchen. Remember that buyers typically prefer granite, marble or quartz countertops to less expensive materials like linoleum or ceramic tile. Since homebuyers desire quality finishes, it only makes sense that completing this project pays dividends in getting the offer you want. It’s also worth considering who the potential buyers of your home are likely to be – if you imagine you’ll be selling to a family, it might be wise to look into best kitchen counter types for families so that you can be sure that your new countertops will be suitable for the kind of use that family life demands.
2. Add Charm
Want to get buyers excited about coming to your home for a showing? When your home has good curb appeal, it signals that what’s on the inside is just as charming as what’s on the outside. Luckily, boosting your home’s curb appeal doesn’t require a huge investment of time or finances. Creating a charming entry by painting your front door, mounting quality hardware and installing new exterior lighting fixtures, giving each buyer a warm welcome and sets a positive tone for any showing.
If you have a healthier budget for improvements, you could also consider adding brick veneer to your home’s façade. While this is a pricey fix that’s best left to the professionals, it also gives you an amazing return on investment – generally, you’re able to recoup the entire cost of the project. As always, examine comparable homes to determine whether this is a smart improvement for your market.
3. Design an Outdoor Living Area
Buyers are looking for homes with attractive outdoor living spaces – it’s actually one of the most sought-after amenities. If you don’t have a dedicated outdoor space, installing a patio is a smart move because you typically get a full return on your investment. Take scale into account if you choose to add a patio to your backyard. Because many buyers want at least a little green space in the yard, be sure that the patio doesn’t become the dominating feature. If you already have a patio, give it a quick refresher by spraying it down with a pressure washer. For decks, a new coat of stain and sealant makes it look new again. Stage your outdoor area with appropriate furniture and lighting so that potential buyers get a glimpse of how the space can be used.
Savvy sellers know that a little upfront work pays dividends when you secure an offer from a buyer. Complete these steps prior to listing and feel assured that your house is irresistible to everyone who comes through the door.
