5 Most Profitable Home Improvements To Make Before Selling Your Home
Many questions come to mind when considering the process of selling a home. How much will it cost, how long will it take, how do I find the right real estate agent, and what should I do to make sure I get top dollar for my house? One question that might not have crossed your mind is how you can make your home more appealing to buyers by making improvements before listing your property.
We all know there’s no such thing as the perfect house. But, Investing money in home improvements can help you get more money for your house! Research says every $10 spent on home improvements can increase your home value by $150.
Check out these five simple things you can do before selling your home that will make it a better investment and attract buyers more quickly.
Low Cost, Big Impact Home Improvements
Some great examples of low-cost, but high-impact home improvements include:
-Paint: A fresh coat of paint can brighten up a space and make it feel more inviting. It’s also a relatively easy and quick way to give your home a face-lift.
-Curb Appeal: First impressions matter and your home’s curb appeal will be one of the first things potential buyers see. Make sure your lawn is manicured and your landscaping is in good shape. You may even want to add some colorful flowers or plants to make your home stand out.
-Declutter: Clutter can make a space feel small and cramped. Before you show your home to potential buyers, take some time to declutter and get rid of any unnecessary items. This will help the space feel more open and welcoming.
Kitchen Upgrades
Before you put your home on the market, it’s important to give your kitchen a little TLC. Buyers often look for an updated kitchen, and it could be the selling point that puts your home over the top. Here are a few kitchen upgrade ideas to consider:
- Countertops: If your countertops are old and outdated, consider replacing them with something more modern. Granite or quartz countertops can give your kitchen a luxurious feel, and they’re also very durable.
- Cabinets: Another key element in any kitchen are the cabinets. If your cabinets are dated or in poor condition, replacing them can make a big difference in the overall look of your kitchen. With ready-to-assemble (RTA) cabinets, you can make a kitchen remodel very affordable and get a great return on your investment.
- Appliances: Finally, don’t forget about your appliances! If they’re old and inefficient, it might be time for an upgrade. Stainless steel appliances are always a popular choice in kitchens, and they can help make your space look more modern and sleek.
On average, homeowners recoup 77.6% of a kitchen remodel investment.
Update Your Bathroom
One simple and relatively inexpensive way to update your bathroom is to replace old fixtures with new ones. This could include things like the faucet, towel racks, light fixtures, and mirror. You may also want to consider painting the walls or retiling the floor for a more drastic transformation.
Another important aspect of preparing your bathroom for sale is making sure it is clean and clutter-free. Take the time to declutter countertops, shelves, and cabinets. Remove any personal items such as toiletries and medications. And be sure to give the entire room a good deep clean before potential buyers start touring your bathrooms.
Homeowners generally recoup 64% of a bathroom remodel investment.
Update Lighting Fixtures
If your home is still sporting outdated lighting fixtures, Think for an upgrade! New light fixtures can make a big impact in any room, and they are relatively easy and inexpensive to install. When selecting new fixtures, be sure to choose ones that complement the style of your home. If you have a modern home, opt for sleek and simple fixtures. For a more traditional space, go for classic styles with intricate details.
In addition to updating the fixtures, make sure to update the light bulbs. LED bulbs are much more energy-efficient than traditional incandescent bulbs, and they will last much longer too. Not only will this save you money on your energy bill each month, but it will also give potential buyers thought knowing that they won’t have to replace the bulbs anytime soon.
It can cost you a few hundred to a few thousand dollars, depending on the source and style.
Garage and Front Door
Install a Smart Garage Door Opener
If your home doesn’t already have a garage door opener, you will want to install one before putting your home on the market. A smart garage door opener only costs about $250 to purchase and install, but it secures your home from theft and offers keyless entry and smartphone control.
Replace Your Front Door
Another great way to improve curb appeal is by replacing an old or outdated front door with a new steel or fiberglass door. If you are looking for an updated look without breaking the bank, consider installing a new wood front door instead.
Flooring Upgrade
According to the National Association of Realtors, hardwood floors are the top home improvement that helps sellers recoup their investment. If your home has old or outdated flooring, consider installing hardwood floors before putting your house on the market. Not only will this improve your home’s value, but it will also make it more appealing to potential buyers.
Homeowners typically recoup about 70% to 80% of the investment for the new flooring.
If your home doesn’t currently have hardwood floors, you may want to consider installing engineered wood floors. This is a more budget-friendly option and it can still increase the value of your home by about $1,000 per room according to Remodeling Magazine’s 2019 Cost vs. Value report.
Conclusion
If you’re thinking of selling your home, it’s important to make sure that you’re doing everything you can to increase its value. Home improvements are a great way to do this, and some upgrades are more likely to lead to a higher sale price than others. We hope our list of the five most profitable home improvements has given you some ideas on where to start. With a little bit of effort and investment, you could see a significant return on your investment when it comes time to sell your home.
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