LET Properties’ TOP 5 HOME IMPROVEMENT
SUGGESTIONS TO INCREASE RESALE VALUE AND MARKETABILITY
Kitchen Remodel: Kitchens are tricky because you can very easily spend a lot of money updating a kitchen only to to have the kitchen not meet someone else’s taste. Try to stick with neutral and light colors in the kitchen. Modern appliances that stay with the home will always garner more interest and consider spending the extra money on stainless steel appliances which are still very popular.
Updated Bathrooms: The last twenty years have brought a lot of modern designs and updates to the bathroom and buyers are looking for that. New cabinets, flooring, sinks and showers are almost a must. Whirlpool tubs and electric towel dryers are unique features that have become standard bathroom equipment in many newer homes, so you may want to consider doing the same to your bathrooms.
Updated Flooring: Floors are often overlooked in home remodeling but there are a lot of new affordable and durable flooring options that can change the look and feel of a room as much as a fresh coat of paint. Consider replacing any vinyl flooring with tile or some sort of laminate replacement floor and definitely clean or replace any worn or dated carpeting.
Professional Landscaping and Updated Exterior: With the increased number of homes on the market buyers are able to be choosier and many are initially judging homes with a simple “drive by” look. If your home doesn’t have that curb appeal then it’s time to spend some money having the front yard professionally landscaped and maybe updating the exterior siding, windows and doors. Make sure your home can be seen from the road and looks freshly updated. A first impression can make all the difference between selling your home and having it on the market for months or years at a time.
Additional Rooms: Putting an addition on a home is always a great way to increase buyer interest and your home’s value because more space warrants a higher price, most of the time. If your home is just like all the other homes for sale in your neighborhood but your home has an extra bedroom or entertainment area then your home will obviously be more appealing.
Energy Efficiency: Many buyers in today’s market consider not only the price of the home, but also the long-term costs. Energy Efficient improvements include sealing gaps, cracks, and other leaks that let outside air into your home (especially in the attic), adding insulation in the attic, sealing and insulating air ducts that run through attics or crawlspaces, and repairing or replacing old or poorly functioning heating and cooling systems and appliances. Look for the Energy Star logo when considering appliances, lighting and other materials.
Remember is that you should not go overboard and improve your home right out of your price range. Only consider improving your home with about 10% of your home’s selling price. So if your home is worth about $200,000 then you might want to consider spending no more than $20,000 on home improvements. If you spend more than that then you may not be able to recoup your expenditure when you sell your home.