Are you getting ready to sell your home, but want to make some improvements to add value before putting it on the market? Perhaps you’re thinking you need to overhaul the kitchen or upgrade the master bathroom – or any number of other costly renovations. Before you drop thousands of dollars, consider these unexpected – and considerably less expensive – ways to add value to your home.
Address the basics
Yes, a brand new kitchen will make your home look fabulous to buyers – but that won’t get you far if you have a furnace on the fritz or an attic that lacks insulation. While the basics are far less glamorous than totally updating a kitchen or bathroom, they will add value and could mean the difference between your home selling quickly or languishing on the market.
Spruce up your curb appeal
The outside of your home is the first thing potential buyers will see, so make those first impressions count. Having a beautiful yard will entice buyers to come inside. Even better, having a yard that can double as living space makes your home seem bigger. Before selling, make sure all the trees and bushes are pruned, clean up flower beds, plant colorful annuals and clean your home’s exterior. If you have a porch, patio or deck, set it up as a living area, showing potential buyers how the space can be used.
Update your front door
You may not think that something as simple as a front door could add value to your home, but think again. While replacing a worn door is ideal, even simply adding a coat of paint in a striking color can go a long way towards welcoming buyers into your home.
Renovate the attic
Perhaps you think your home needs more space in order to be appealing to potential buyers. While building a brand-new addition to the house is expensive, you could add more space for less money by looking up. Attic renovations are becoming increasingly popular. Upgrading the attic into a useable living space adds the square footage you’re looking for with fewer headaches and less financial investment.
Remove a popcorn ceiling
One of the keys to selling your home quickly is to remove anything that may turn buyers off, and a popcorn ceiling is high on that list. Popcorn ceilings are dated, and spending a weekend removing it yourself can definitely add value. Just be sure to have the ceiling tested by professionals first, as it could contain asbestos. Once you’ve been given the go-ahead, you can complete this project yourself in just a couple of days.
Make small changes to the bathroom
You don’t need to demolish the bathroom and start from scratch in order to create a room that is inviting. For less than $1,000 you can replace an outdated vanity, update lighting fixtures or add a new floor. Even a new coat of paint can make the room feel fresh and bright.
If you’re thinking about selling your home, you no doubt want to get the best possible price. By tackling some of these unexpected projects, you’ll add value that can translate into a higher selling price or a quicker sale.
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