When getting ready to sell your home, it can be hard to know what renovations will get your property sold the fastest and for the most amount of money. Should you replace your furnace or redo your kitchen? Should you gut your bathroom or add another one? Should you get your roof done or buy new appliances?
Or you might wonder what the small inexpensive things you can do that will make a substantial difference to upgrading your home.
And of course, most importantly, how much money are you going to recoup on the listing price if you do make the investment?
The recommended updates change for each home and neighborhood based on what similar homes have in your area. That being said, below is a list a few common worthwhile renovations when it comes to getting your home ready for the market.
Painting
Painting is one of the easiest, fastest and cheapest ways to get your home ready for the market. And the best part is that you might actually make money by doing it! Most painting jobs typically add more than 100% back of what it costs to the list price, so it is well worth your time to push your furniture to the center of the room and add a fresh coat of paint to your home.
And remember when it comes to getting your home ready to sell, you want it to be neutral, clean and modern. Painting a living room or a bedroom a bright or unusual color may suit your tastes but won’t necessarily suit those of your prospective buyers. Unsure what to choose, text/call Jess and she will come out to give you free advice!
Garage Doors
Curb appeal is huge when it comes to buying and selling real estate. So getting the outside of your home in tip top shape can lure in the most amount of buyers.
Simple things like landscaping or new potted plants can aid in the outside appeal of your home but one of the biggest things you can do with a high return is replace your garage doors if they are dented or looking worse for the wear.
As they make up a large percentage of the outside of your home, and are one of the main points of view when driving up to your house, having them in great condition will do wonders to the perceived state of your property.
And the best part is you will likely get very close to if not all of your money back on it! It’s a win win for both buyer and seller.
Entry Door
It seems like a minor upgrade but can make a huge difference when getting your home ready for the market. You don’t always need to buy a new door. Sometimes a fresh coat of paint will do the trick. You will want to look for neutral colors that blend well with the outside façade of your home. You want clean lines and a fresh feel to your front porch, as prospective buyers first impressions are crucial.
Additional Square Footage
Most homeowners want more space. If there is a room or a space that is unfinished that you could finish out, do it! It will increase the usability of the home and allow for more storage.
Bathroom Addition
You have two options when it comes to bathrooms, you can renovate the one you have or add an additional one. For most families, one bathroom might be a deal breaker, so from both a logical and financial perspective, it would make the most sense to add an additional bathroom.
Before you do this, have Jess research your area to find out how many bathrooms are in the other homes in the area. If you are one less than the average on the market, then it may be a deterrent for buyers to view your property. If there isn’t an
Kitchen Remodel
There is a big difference between a minor and a major kitchen remodel. Minor remodeling includes new countertops, cupboards, flooring and fixtures. Larger ones would mean replacing appliances, light fixtures, sinks and refacing cabinets. In most cases, a minor kitchen remodel is all you’ll need to bring it up to the current times and design buyers would expect. Jess can help you decide what needs updated and if the investment of the update will give you the return on investment you’re looking for.
Ikea does beautiful kitchens which are quite modern for a substantial amount less than the average kitchen remodel. Something to check out if you kitchen is going to hurt you on the sellers market.
Bathroom Remodel
Everyone loves beautiful kitchens and bathrooms. And although it might make more sense to add a bathroom than to remodel one, if you already have a sufficient number of bathrooms, then remodeling the ones that need it most might be money well spent. Switching out fixtures, painting cabinets, new countertops and updating wall colors may be all you need to refresh your bathroom.
Most articles will tell you to forgo the tub and get a walk in shower, this adds space to the bathroom and as long as there is at least one tub in the home, most people do use them unless they have young kids.
Replacement Roof
Being able to add ‘new roof’ to your listing can add a lot more credit than you think . While it doesn’t really add value on an appraisal, it does give buyers one less thing they need to worry. We find they generally ask for less in seller concessions if they know they won’t have to replace a roof. Before you go replacing your roof, talk to Jess to see if it makes sense and what options are out there for roof replacement.
Adding a Deck
Your home may already have a deck in which case replacing the wood or refurbishing it, may be all you need to do. But if you do not have a deck and decide to put one on your home before you sell, that may create an additional outdoor living space others don’t have. Most additional space that has been added to your home is going to increase the value, but check with Jess to ensure in your particular neighborhood you’ll get the return on investment.
Updated Flooring
If your carpet is looking rough or your flooring has seen better days, it’s time to replace them. Carpet in bedrooms is totally fine, but if you have it in your bathroom or dining space, it’s time for it to go! Most people prefer wood look tile or vinyl flooring throughout the entire central living space to make it easy to clean, and give it one cohesive look.
Again, assess the market, and see if it makes the most sense in terms of where to put your money for upgrades.
Conclusion
When selling your home, you have to think like a buyer. And as you are likely going to be purchasing a home after you sell the one you currently live in, you know what is most important to you.
A beautiful kitchen is not going to make up for a broken furnace or a leaking roof. One beautiful bathroom will not make up for the overall lack of bathrooms.
Make a real assessment of your property and what actually needs to be done. Make sure you are not overlooking the simple things like curb appeal and that you’re balancing function and aesthetic.
Being able to view your home like a buyer and truly see what is needed is where Jess comes in. She’s in tune with what finishes will be necessary to sell your home. She can help you assess what needs to be done in your home and opt for the projects that you are going to make the most amount of money back on. Curious what your home needs to be ready to sell? Let’s chat!
