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Whether you’re looking to sell now or sometime in the future, now is always a good time to think about the value of your home and what you can do to give your home a boost. It would make sense if every penny you invested in your home brought an equal increase in your home value, right? Unfortunately, that’s not the case. Most real estate experts will tell you that there are a few key things you need to pay attention to when making home updates. Here are our top 8:
Make more space
The number one thing people look for in a new home is more space. Does your home have a wall that could be knocked down for a more spacious living area? Do you really need that kitchen island? Find a general contractor that can help you draw up the plans to give your home a roomier feel.
Clean landscaping
The most basic thing you can do is make sure you keep up on basic yard maintenance. Things like lush green grass, weed-free flower beds and well-pruned trees make a home more inviting. The best news? Much of this is DIY and can be done on one or two Saturdays. Need some serious help? Find a landscape expert.
More light
This can be a combo of natural light and nice light features. Make sure windows are clear and trees and bushes don’t block the view. Replace dirty old blinds or shades and upgrade to something new and fresh. As for artificial lighting, canned lighting creates more light while taking up less space. As with any project involving electricity, be sure to contact an electrician before you start.
Basic maintenance
This one may seem obvious, but we all have a project in our house that we’ve been putting off for months (or maybe even years). These stand out like a sore thumb to potential buyers. Things as simple as cleaning carpets, tightening a leaky faucet or fixing a squeaky door hinge can make a big difference.
Go green
If you’re looking for a big way to make your house stand out from the pack, look into solar panels and energy smart appliances. If your heating or air conditioning system is old, consider one of the newer energy saving models. A qualified HVAC expert will be able to tell you about the savings and extra tax credits you can expect.
Upgrade the kitchen
In many homes, the kitchen is the center. It needs to be equal parts functional and inviting with room to move and gather the family. If your current setup doesn’t fit the bill, it can be as simple as upgrading to stainless steel appliances, getting rid of old linoleum in favor of tile or hardwood or adding a coat of fresh paint. Find a kitchen remodeling expert to help you navigate the latest trends and give your kitchen what it needs.
Bigger, better bath
Your kitchen doesn’t necessarily have to be bigger to attract buyers, but there is nothing worse than a neglected bathroom. Simple fixes like new caulk, a better light fixture or upgraded fixtures can go a long way to making the throne room fit for a king. For bigger fixes, hire a bathroom remodeling contractor who you can trust.
Neutral paint
While you may be in love with your avocado green walls, not everyone shares your taste. Give buyers a neutral canvas where they can imagine their own décor ideas. While you could technically DIY this project, we all know painting is a much bigger pain than you think and has huge potential to go wrong. Do yourself a favor and just hire a professional painter.
Your home is your castle so make sure you show its true potential to possible buyers and visitors. Not sure where to start? Take a look at the KSL Classifieds listings of trusted, local experts who can help you through the process.
