Selling your home is an exciting time and you want everything to go smoothly. The first order of business is to bring your home up to the highest standards to get a fair market price. However, not all home improvements will make your home more desirable, and many of them could cost you a lot of money and even lose the sale.
The most common misconception is that adding a pool will automatically add value to the property. The truth is, adding a pool could eliminate a large portion of qualified buyers who are staunchly against having a backyard pool. Instead, follow the 5 tried and true home improvements that are sure to add value to your home sale.
1. Bathrooms and Kitchens.
Most home buyers prefer to have updated kitchens and bathroom fixtures. This doesn’t mean you have to completely redo an old house, but every little thing you can update will help. Granite countertops are a favorite, along with modern cabinets and newer appliances to go along with the sale.
2 floors.
Whether your home is sold carpeted, tiled, or decked out with hardwood floors, make sure the workmanship is done professionally and the colors are versatile. Newer carpets may not need to be replaced, but should be professionally steam cleaned and ready to go. Keep in mind that new homeowners won’t want to invest in flooring, so keep the color and texture consistent throughout the home. Although a green rug in one room and a red rug in another may have been useful for their living space, new homeowners want to see a central theme throughout the house.
3. Paint.
Walls should be freshly painted in a neutral color with the same consistent theme in all rooms. White is acceptable, but you can also consider beige tones to warm up the room. The paint color you choose is also a great tool to open up the room and make it seem bigger. To achieve this effect, keep the colors very light and avoid color contrast in the base tables.
4. Exterior Works.
The first impression is a lasting one, so try adding some curb appeal and making your home stand out. Exterior work may need just a simple coat of paint, however in some cases it will require the home to be sandblasted. Also, add some blinds, drapes, and a fresh coat of vivid paint on the doors. Landscaping also plays a big factor in your curb appeal, so make sure your lawn is healthy and green. You can also transplant young flowers to add a touch of artistic color, and invest in some small statues to define an outdoor space.
5. Driveways and garages.
Most older homes have the original concrete or asphalt driveway, which while fully functional, can also be unsightly. Establishing a fresh new driveway adds a lot to the overall appeal of the home and makes a great first impression when cars drive by. You may also want to invest in a quality electric garage door, which is fairly inexpensive to install and adds value and convenience for your buyer.
