Thinking of selling in 2021? Now is the time to start making a few affordable upgrades that will help sell your house fast!
One-thousand dollars may not seem like a lot, but a well-executed home update can not only reduce your cost of living while you remain in the home, but also add significant value to the home’s sale price. A general rule of thumb is to remember you’re trying to make your home appeal to a mass market of buyers. Keeping updates neutral will help buyers see the potential to personalize after they’ve purchased the home.
CURB APPEAL
Start with the first thing buyers see and replace your front door. Create curb appeal, save energy and increase home security. According to Angie’s list experts, home sellers can expect more than 100 percent return on investment on door replacements. You may be able to complete the project for under $1,000 if you can install it yourself.
Another do-it-yourself project is some simple landscaping that accents your home’s exterior. Which areas of your yard could benefit most? Untidy gardens can be cleaned up with more defined edging or landscaping blocks. Bare patches of the yard can be improved with a few strategic plants. Shrubs can be used to block any unsightly views or road noise. And, simple flower and some new mulch always make the landscaping look fresh. According to fixr.com, DIY landscaping only costs $5-$8 a square foot. Or, a quick power-washing of siding and walkways can make your home’s exterior sparkle.
A well-kept roof shows potential buyers you have maintained your home and may alleviate buyer concerns of other issues. According to homeadvisor.com, the average roof repair costs about $800 depending on the size of the issue.
INTERIOR
Bathrooms are generally small rooms where $1,000 can go a long way. Even when hiring a plumber, you can still afford to replace the toilet with a sleeker, more efficient model or an updated sink with a new faucet for under $400 total in labor costs (porch.com). Check big box home store sales; they frequently have discontinued models at a reduced cost.
The majority of agents polled on angieslist.com agreed that a fireplace increases a home’s value and the National Association of Home Builders lists fireplaces in the top three most desired features of a home. Therefore, if you have a fireplace, keep it, but make sure it’s functioning properly. A fireplace check-up by a licensed professional for about $200 is well worth it. Another option is to make your fireplace stand out as the centerpiece of the room. Choose tile or stone that complements the style of the rest of your home, and stick with materials in the $20-$40 per square foot installation range.
Don’t forget the power of a deep cleaning and hire a professional home cleaner. Nothing improves a home’s interior more than a good and thorough cleaning. Areas to focus on include carpet, windows, walls, baseboards, kitchens and bathrooms.
Sometimes a little de-cluttering is all it takes to enhance a room. A few simple organizing tricks can make a space more functional and beautiful. Visit here (Magnificent Manors Organizing Tips) to see our organizing tips. You may even make some money from a yard sale to put towards another project.
POOR INVESTMENTS
There are a few notoriously poor investment options to avoid that show no return on investment, and can actually lower your home’s value. Some include features that are too unique or customized, bright paint colors, textured walls, too much carpeting, and yard water-features.
What home improvement ideas would you focus on if your home is on the market? Share in the comments below!
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