When it comes to selling your home, there are easy and inexpensive ways to make improvements that will help it sell fast!
According to experts, a homeowner should commit to spending around 1 to 2 percent of the home's value for home improvement costs. That means, for a $200,000 home, a seller would spend between $2,000 to $4,000 on pre-sale upgrades.
So, what are the most effective improvements to make pre-sale? Well, I'm glad you asked.
According to experts, a homeowner should commit to spending around 1 to 2 percent of the home's value for home improvement costs. That means, for a $200,000 home, a seller would spend between $2,000 to $4,000 on pre-sale upgrades.
So, what are the most effective improvements to make pre-sale? Well, I'm glad you asked.
1. KITCHEN
The most cost-effective kitchen improvement is to repaint or restain the cabinets. Also, adding new matching hardware to cabinets and drawers will add a huge amount of kitchen curb appeal. If you have the money, replace any unmatched appliances.
2. BATHROOMS
Replacing those old, worn out toilet seats can be the first step to making the home more appealing and clean. Also, if the grout is cracking or dirty, replace that as well. If you can't afford new cabinets, painting them, as well as installing updated knobs will make the bathroom look 100 times better. Also, if you can afford to put in new flooring, please go with tile. Laminate and carpet in the bathroom will only lead to future issues. New shower heads and shelving for added storage are also added perks!
3. INTERIOR PAINT/DOORS
A new layer of neutral colored paint can transform a home. Also, it makes everything seem new and clean. New crown molding is great eye candy, especially if it is painted the same color as the walls, which will make the walls appear taller. Replacing the interior doors and doorknobs is a great way to improve the look of the home. Getting rid of the cheap plywood doors and going with something heavier and and solid will bring that wow factor.
4. FLOORING
Installing new flooring, inexpensive carpet or economy hardwoods, will make any home look better. Also, it will give the buyers a load-off, knowing that they will not have to do it themselves.
5. LIGHT FIXTURES AND CEILING FANS
Getting rid of those outdated brass fans and lighting fixtures, and replacing them with less expensive brushed nickel or bronze fixtures from Home Depot or Lowes (which I believe has a better selection). Track lighting or recessed lighting is also a good choice, especially in the kitchen. This is the first thing I did when I purchased my home and it updated it incredibly!
6. LANDSCAPING AND EXTERIOR
The oustside curb appeal can mean everything. I've had clients who wouldn't even get out of the car when they disliked the outside look of a home. A few low-cost ideas are to pull out weeds, mow the lawn, and cut back overgrown trees or shrubs. Other home improvements include adding fresh mulch, planting a couple of rose bushes in your front flower garden, or lining the entryway with a colorful assortment of flowers in pots. And, as any Georgian can attest to, pressure washing any clay stains/mildew on the side of the home or driveway can make for better curb appeal as well.
According to Renovation's Cost vs Value study, these are the renovations that will give you the biggest bang for your buck - as well as projects that generate the lowest return.
Renovations that bring the greatest percentage return on investment:
- Entry door replacement: 96.6 percent
- Deck addition (wood): 87.4 percent
- Attic bedroom: 84.3 percent
- Garage door replacement: 83.7 percent
- Minor kitchen remodel: 82.7 percent
Renovations that yield the smallest return:
- Home office remodel: 48.9 percent
- Sunroom addition: 51.7 percent
- Bathroom addition: 60.1 percent
- Backup power generation: 67.5 percent
- Master suite addition: 67.5 percent
These are just some ideas I've learned that have worked over the years. If you are interested in inside staging for your home, please look forward to my post tomorrow that will give you DIY ideas on how to stage your home and sell it fast!
Emily Benner
REAL Estate Expert
PalmerHouse Properties
678.458.2284
