Selling your home for more money is always top importance
for sellers. However, sometimes they don't know how to add value to their home.
Not all remodeling and maintenance projects increase the value of your home.
Some may not even provide equal return on investment, at least not initially.
Think solar. That may take a while to recoup the expense of the installation.
The following are remodeling and maintenance projects that
tend to increase not only the value of your home but also its mass appeal to
buyers.
Updating
electrical and plumbing
Bathroom remodel
Kitchen remodel
Painting
Outside
maintenance
When you think about what buyers are looking for, it's easy
to understand why improving these areas would bring increased value. Moving
into a home that has major, or even minor, electrical and plumbing issues can
be a real headache. Electricity and plumbing are two major necessary
conveniences in the home. When they're malfunctioning it's often not only time
consuming to fix but possibly costly. Take time to note the areas of your home
that have electrical and plumbing issues. It may just be a minor issue such as
an electrical outlet needs fixing. If that's the case, fix it before you have
buyers coming through your home.
During home inspections, many things are noted. Then the
buyer studies that report and often wants to have the seller fix the issues
and/or take money off the sale price. Be a step ahead by taking care of the
issues you know are problems. Better to cross them off the list rather than
wait for the buyer to discover them and add them to their list of reasons the
home should have a lower price.
Bathroom remodels are projects that are often long overdue.
It may be that a bathroom is very tiny and an expansion is desperately needed.
Or it might be that there's mold behind the shower walls and must be properly
removed, cleaned, and replaced with better products, or, maybe, the bathroom
simply needs an updated look, or just a maintenance repair such as fixing a
leaky faucet or toilet. I recognize that most people don't want to remodel
their bathroom only to turn around and sell their home. However, fixing problem
issues is always a good idea. And, if you're planning to stay in your home for
a few years, then giving some thought to a bathroom renovation might be to your
benefit. That way you can enjoy it for the time that you remain in the home and
then recoup the expense when you do decide to sell. Be careful not to go for
extreme trendy materials and patterns that will give the bathroom a dated look
in the years to come.
Kitchen remodel: This is attractive to nearly everyone, even
those who don't cook! There's something really appealing about a beautifully
remodeled kitchen. Again, remodeling an entire kitchen and then immediately
selling isn't in the budget for most sellers.
But simple things can help like new paint on the kitchen
walls and throughout the house. It can brighten and freshen up even a very old
home. Resurfacing the cabinets or giving them a good cleaning can also make a
big difference. Clearing clutter from the shelves, cabinets, inside the pantry
and refrigerator will help make the kitchen feel cleaner and look bigger.
Outside maintenance is one of those areas that is a must-
do. Why? Because it's outside and it's often the largest and first area buyers
see. Yes, curb appeal matters. If your home doesn't look inviting from the
outside, chances are, no matter how cute it is on the inside, buyers won't look
at it. Call it unfair, but that's the way it goes. First impressions count. So,
make your home as charming as possible from the outside in.
October 18, 2013 -- Realty Times Feature Article by Phoebe
Chongchua
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