For anyone who has tried to sell their home, the issue of remodeling and upgrades seems to often come up. As the real estate market has favored the buyer for some years now, it’s wise to cater to them. Unfortunately those buyers want upgrades; lots and lots of upgrades.
Reality television shows have highlighted this trend and we can see buyers turning down homes that don’t meet their exacting standards. Outdated kitchens, bathrooms, and landscaping are just a few of the things that can cause a buyer to move on to the next property.
If you are considering selling your home in the near future and your agent has suggested that you invest in some upgrades beforehand, consider these simple remodeling tips that could mean the difference between a standout property and a home that fails to interest.
1. Complete the Unfinished
One way to easily increase your home’s resale value is to utilize any unfinished spaces and make them livable. This could include basements, attics, or any other additions that might have not yet been finished, as well as adding proper water damage defense to prevent any damage. By simply completing existing projects in the home, you’ll be able to increase your asking price significantly.
By finishing the basement or attic you’ve increased the overall living space significantly and also improved the attractiveness of your home. Buyers will be thrilled to see completed walls and floors, and properly installed plumbing and electrical wiring. This can be especially true for men who are looking for a “man cave” in a potential new home and basements tend to fit this bill perfectly.
2. Kitchen Creations
Potential buyers place a lot of stock in the kitchen of potential homes, and if you can afford to upgrade only one part of the home prior to listing, the kitchen should be it. By upgrading appliances, installing newer surfaces, and adding other modern touches you will appeal to a larger percentage of buyers. Obviously this has the advantage of a quicker sale and the potential to sell nearer to your asking price.
Granite countertops almost always top prospective homebuyers’ lists, so invest in some modern surfaces with Superior Stone and Cabinet products. Keep the color neutral and ask the contractor or countertop salesperson which color tends to be the most popular. What might seem attractive to you could be garish to someone else, and their opinion is what’s more important.
Update all kitchen appliances to stainless steel and the return on that investment could be significant. Be sure to consult your real estate agent for tips and that you keep your upgrades and remodeling efforts in line with the rest of the neighborhood.
3. Beautiful Bathrooms
Second only to an updated kitchen, modern bathrooms definitely appeal to home buyers in a big way. While the number of bathrooms in the home can be criteria that buyers won’t budge on, the quality of the bathrooms and the finishes can play a major role.
Be cautious when replacing fixtures and surfaces, and be sure to keep the potential buyer in mind. Experts advise against choosing anything too trendy as it could feel dated rather quickly. Instead choose classic designs and colors that will appeal to a wide range of people, and remember that dual sinks and vanities are always a winning combination.
4. Outdoor Space
A home’s curb appeal is incredibly important; if a buyer doesn’t like the outside they might have a difficult time appreciating the inside. With just a few simple fixes and added touches to your home’s landscaping and outdoor space, buyers will be more intrigued and might be more likely to submit an offer.
Remove any bushes or shrubs that obscure windows or detract from the home’s curbside appearance and add as many flowering plants as you can. Try to keep your landscaping efforts in line with those of the other houses on your street. Too much or too little landscaping can create an awkward look that may put some prospective buyers off.
If you have the time and the space, consider adding a deck or patio to the rear of the home. By increasing the outdoor living space and adding a comfortable place to entertain in the backyard you’ll appeal to a wider range of potential buyers and you could see your home quickly sell.
Placing one’s house up for sale can be a difficult and frustrating process, but it doesn’t always have to be that way. By working closely with a great realtor and adding some remodeled and updated touches to your home, the process can move much more quickly. And when those touches translate into the increased value of your home, everyone wins.
