Your house isn’t just a place to live, it’s also a major investment and vehicle for accumulating wealth. While homes generally appreciate over time if you keep them in good shape, there are also things you can do to help generate an extra return when it comes time to sell. At the end of the day, investing in a more livable home is the best way to boost your sale price.
Here are five projects to maximize your home’s value.
1. Focus On Curb Appeal
The view of your home from the street is so important when it comes to selling because it’s usually front and center in your listing photo. Good curb appeal is critical for garnering online attention, but it’s also the first thing buyers see when they pull up to the home. Simple things like painting the front door, power washing the exterior, and keeping up with lawn care are all great ways to keep your curb appeal top-notch.
2. Fix-up Your Kitchen and Bathrooms
If you’re planning a remodel or a major renovation, prioritize the kitchen and bathroom over other areas of the house. These are often the two most important rooms when it comes to attracting buyers. Installing new flooring, lighting, sinks, or counters in the kitchen and bathroom are often considered to be some of the best ways to improve home value.
3. Finish The Basement
An unfinished basement presents an excellent opportunity to unlock additional value in your property. Buyers seek finished basements to serve as game rooms, dens, extra living rooms, or even home offices. Make upgrading unfinished basement space a top priority.
4. Upgrade The Major Appliances
Buyers don’t want to worry about making major replacements or upgrades shortly after moving in. Furnaces and hot water heaters typically last 10 to 15 years, so if yours is reaching the end of its lifespan, it might be worth upgrading prior to listing your home. Convincing buyers they won’t need to worry about major fixes for years to come can really help increase the home’s appeal.
5. Take Care Of The Roof
An aging roof comes with an expensive price tag, and this could quickly turn off buyers. You may want to consider a roof replacement prior to listing your home. However, depending on the cost, it can be difficult to recover your entire investment. At a minimum, make sure to take care of any cracked, missing, or warped shingles that may be leading to leaks in the attic.
When thinking of what repairs and upgrades can drive value, put yourself in the shoes of a buyer. Try to imagine what would make your home more comfortable, liveable, and convenient. Contact us today for more home improvement tips.