Selling a property is one of the best ways to cash in on a nest egg and finally get a return on the huge investment you put down: but are you getting back everything you can? If you don't put a little work in, you could be leaving money on the table.
These are the top ways to increase your home’s value before you sell it, and why it’s such a good idea to invest the time and money necessary!
1. Update Your Garage Door
Updating your garage door offers the highest return on investment of any home update. How old is your garage door? This part of a property usually only lasts for twenty years before the pieces start to wear down, and it becomes risky for the homeowners.
If yours is nearing that age, and you want to boost value quickly, consider this upgrade. Not only does it change aesthetics, but it can also increase the security of your house
2. Check The Health of Your Roof
Your roof is the most important part of your home, protecting it from storms and weather while also blocking out temperature fluctuations and unwanted pests. Unfortunately, if your roof is older or simply has been through a lot of damage, it could be costing you money.
Update to a newer roof, whether it’s terracotta or wood shingles, and make sure it's built to last. Talk to your HOA ahead of making any of these visible exterior changes since they could turn around and fine you for them.
3. Add Touches of Luxury
Some luxury can be the difference between a property feeling like a house or feeling like a home. This could be something small, like a heated shower floor, or something bigger, like an outdoor entertainment area complete with a full television and bar.
Consider what you would like on your property, and look into the return on investment for these projects to find what will suit your home best.
4. Remember to Modernize
Although many long for a simpler life, most agree they still want the updated technology so they can keep up with others in their community. One of the main places you'll see this is in your HVAC system.
Smart thermostats are a tool that's become a necessity in homes and is expected by buyers. Look into what parts of home buyers will expect: these are usually cheap changes that can sway buyers' opinions.
5. Keep Standing Water Away
Standing water is the worst thing that can happen to most homes. Whether it's inside or outside of your home, it can lead to rot, mold, and dozens of issues that will cost a lot of money to repair and work past.
Instead of letting water build up, look into good landscape drainage. This system, plus landscape drainage grates, will pull water down and away from your home while also giving it a chance to hydrate your soil as it's shuttled away.
6. Give Your Siding a Fresh Face
Older siding can ruin the appeal of any home. Nobody wants to buy a property that looks rundown and comes with dozens of projects you'll have to take on. Consider installing vinyl shake siding, which can give your property a fresh face while also protecting it from the elements.
Adding insulation to your siding is an important step that some forget. Insulating from the top to the bottom of your home will block out temperature fluctuations, insect life, moisture, and so much more.
7. Do a Minor Kitchen Remodel
Don't let the allure of a large kitchen remodel pull you off target. If you want to spend as little money as possible while getting a massive return, it's time to do a mini kitchen remodel. This could mean redoing the walls and tile or updating the counters and appliances, but it's important to stay on budget.
A small kitchen remodel brings in a higher return on investment than a full remodel and gives buyers a project that lets them put their own handprint on something.
8. Invest In Your Home’s Energy Efficiency
Energy efficiency is one of the top topics of 2023. Energy bills are sky-high, and the average person is struggling to keep up with finances while also trying to create a life for themself.
Instead of allowing buyers to get turned off by your home because of bad electricity bills, take the time to make your home as energy efficient as possible. Check windows and doors for leaks, pay attention to your light and appliance usage, and work on lowering that bill.
Your Property’s Value Can Skyrocket
If you're tired of your property's value looking too low for comfort and want a boost, it's time to increase how much it's worth. Consider some of these tips, and watch your home's price skyrocket.
Sam Willis is a freelance writer that loves sharing his knowledge and expertise on real estate. He lives in Atlanta, Georgia where he enjoys spending time with his wife and researching real estate trends in his free time. Sam’s work as a freelance writer can be found on Building Product Advisor, a new construction industry resource.