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Home Improvements That Make a Difference When Selling

By
Real Estate Agent with RE/MAX Executive Realty 91362

Home Improvements That Bring More Money

Your home is probably one of your biggest investments and when you're ready to sell, you'll probably want to receive the most money. There are a variety of upgrades and renovations you can make that will skyrocket the price of your home. You're going to learn about these updates and renovations you might want to consider before selling your home.

Some of these improvements may be in your budget others might not be. The key is focusing on where you will get the biggest bang for your buck. Looking over your home and identifying the glaring weaknesses is important.

You'll want to focus with unemotional ties to the property. Walk through your own door as a buyer who has never seen the place. What will they see? Is there anything that sticks out like a sore thumb?

Make sure you are critical because most buyers will be. Working as a Holliston Massachusetts Real Estate agent for the past thirty-two plus years, I have noticed lots of homeowners make poor choices when it comes to improvements.

Here are some improvements that can make a big difference when it comes time to sell. Unfortunately, lots of homeowners have no idea where to put their money.

In fact, over the years I have seen plenty of people invest in home improvements that can actually hurt their value. Don't make one of these mistakes! Instead focus on the items mentioned below.

Affordable Kitchen Remodels and Upgrades

If you're on a budget, the kitchen is where you need to focus your attention. The heart of a home is the kitchen for most people. One thing you don't have to worry about is expensive, fancy, kitchen appliances. Instead of breaking the bank on state-of-the-art appliances, invest in other upgrades and renovations, such as new countertops, cabinets, and flooring.

These upgrades do not have to be top-of-the-line but they need to improve your home's appearance in order to add value. Think about what's popular, such as granite countertops and wood cabinets.

Did you know more than 75 percent of home buyers say their favorite room in their home is the kitchen? Deciding to upgrade or not upgrade the kitchen can be the difference between a maximum offer and an average offer.

Renovating the kitchen can make home buyers more forgiving of areas of the home that are not as updated as the kitchen. If you don't have the budget to purchase new cabinets, think about painting them and adding new hardware.

If your cabinetry is dated there is nothing that can change it's appearance better than a few coats of paint. White kitchens are in style big time! A skilled painter can make your kitchen look almost new.

Putting money into the kitchen is one of the best ways to increase home value. Your kitchen can make or break your home sale - keep that in mind!

Bathroom Upgrades

The bathroom, next to the kitchen is another room in the house that home buyers care about. Did you know a minor bathroom renovation can give you over 100 percent return on investment? Minor bathroom upgrades, such as replacing caulk around the tub, shower, and toilet, in addition to re-grouting the tile can be really helpful.

An investment of $3,000 to $5,000 on bathroom repairs and upgrades could yield at least 80 percent of your money back. The money you get back depends on how much money you invest and which upgrades and renovations you decide to make.

Adding A Coat of Paint

There is nothing more powerful and cost effective than painting. Adding a new coat of paint is another inexpensive way to spruce up your home before selling it. A clean coat of paint can make your home look brand new and bright. Painting is one way you can create a cozy atmosphere without the help of furniture and appliances.

Did you know painting the interior of a home can give you more than a 100 percent return on your investment? Most sellers choose to stick with neutral colors because other colors can be too personal. You usually can't go wrong when you stay with light grey or beige. These colors have universal appeal with lots of home buyers.

Invest In Efficiency

Upgrades and renovations increase the value of your home but you get more money for your home by making it energy efficient. Making your home energy efficient gives you a whopping 116 percent return on your investment.

Energy efficient homes are popular with all buyers, including first-time buyers. Making upgrades to the HVAC system, windows, and water heater are ones that will make the home more efficient and attract buyers.

When you're ready to sell your home, keep these upgrades and renovations in mind. You don't want your home to remain on the market forever. These upgrades will help you sell your home quickly.

Structural and mechanical items in a home is something buyers will scrutinize extra carefully. Having updates to these items could make a difference when it comes time for the buyer to conduct their home inspection. It is easy for some of these type of problems to become home inspection deal breakers. Obviously, not what you want.

Final Thoughts

These are just a few of the home improvements that can make a difference when selling your home. There are of course others as well. When trying to decide what home improvements to make it is always advisable to speak with a local real estate agent.

It is important to consult with an agent you know is selling a lot of homes. Don't just pick some random real estate agent that might not give you sound advice. A real estate agent with a track record of success is what you want.

Never settle when selling your house!

Additional Helpful Home Buying and Selling Resources Worth a Look

Use these additional resources to make excellent decisions when you are buying or selling a home. Educated buyers and sellers typically have the smoothest real estate transactions.

 

 

 

Posted by

With three decades of experience, Bill Gassett is an authority in the real estate sector. Bill writes informative articles for numerous prestigious real estate sites to help buyers, sellers, and fellow real estate agents. His work has been featured on RIS Media, the National Association of Realtors, Inman News, Placester, Realty Biz News, Credit Sesame, and his own authority resource, Maximum Real Estate Exposure. Reach out to Bill Gassett for his real estate, mortgage, and financial expertise.

Comments(4)

Myrl Jeffcoat
Sacramento, CA
Greater Sacramento Realtor - Retired

That's important information for home sellers gearing up to market a home, Bill.  

Feb 14, 2019 03:14 PM
Bill Gassett
RE/MAX Executive Realty - Hopkinton, MA
Metrowest Massachusetts Real Estate

Thanks Myrl Jeffcoat it sure is!

Feb 14, 2019 03:24 PM
Gabe Sanders
Real Estate of Florida specializing in Martin County Residential Homes, Condos and Land Sales - Stuart, FL
Stuart Florida Real Estate

Thanks, Bill, for these excellent tips for all those getting ready to sell.

Feb 15, 2019 06:04 AM
Bill Gassett
RE/MAX Executive Realty - Hopkinton, MA
Metrowest Massachusetts Real Estate

I am glad you enjoy the home improvement tips Gabe Sanders 

Feb 15, 2019 09:52 AM