How to Increase the Value of Your Home

Turn Your Home Into a Buyer’s Dream

by Sarra Jackson

Everyone wants to increase the value of their home without spending too much of their own money. Luckily, simple changes can provide huge results. Changing your home to follow today’s trends may not be the best idea. Instead, changes that are timeless and aren’t too bold have the best results. Buyers want to imagine what the home would look like if they lived in it. Walls with zebra print can distract from the quality in the rest of the property and make potential buyers start adding up how much it would take for them to make their personal changes.

Start With the Exterior

Curb appeal is extremely important and minor changes can greatly increase a home’s value. Updating a home’s exterior may be an investment, but it can pay off by attracting potential buyers. Keep the lawn well manicured and have a clean driveway and sidewalks. Remove weeds from flowerbeds and grow colorful plants with fresh mulch. Also, make sure to repair any fence damage and paint the home’s wooden exterior so it looks fresh and new.

Make Your Home a Beautiful, Well-Oiled Machine Inside

Now it is time to make some appliance upgrades. Your kitchen is going to be one of the main selling points and needs to be up-to-date. If your appliances are more than three years old they should be replaced with newer models. Purchase appliances with a designer finish and more features at a price that fits your budget. Many new appliances help you save energy, which appeals to buyers. Your kitchen cabinets should be wood instead of a laminate surface and add custom features, such as crown molding and wine racks.

Any room with countertops that are plastic laminate need to be upgraded since those are considered lower quality. Instead, install solid surfacing, such as granite and concrete. A more affordable upgrade is to use overlay countertops that are made from composite granite and resin. It has a granite look but comes at a much cheaper price.

Flooring is another important housing upgrade that people tend to forget. Tile, wood, and natural stone are the top picks for buyers. If you currently have vinyl or low-end carpet you can lose interest in your home.  Remember that the more resilient the flooring, the more valuable it is.

Bed and Bath Upgrades

You cannot forget about the master bedroom and bathroom. People want to feel relaxed when in their bedroom and flat ceilings and a bathroom without spa features are going to hurt the cost of your home. Upgrade to raised tray ceilings and install recessed lighting with dimmers to help the room’s ambiance. In the master bathroom, install an oversized garden tub, multi-sprayer shower, and upgrade any tile on the floor or in the shower.

Keep Your Finances in Mind

It is best to make the upgrades that you can afford. A lot of the installation work can be done by yourself, but if you are unsure it is best to hire a professional. If your home is really outdated, it may be necessary to take out a loan to cover the costs of the upgrades. Luckily, the extra money you make by doing these upgrades can pay for the loan after your home is sold.