If you’re thinking about selling your home but it needs a little TLC, don’t despair; from sprucing up your landscaping to considering security systems, there are a number of easy ways to add value to your home. Here are five of the ways you can improve curb appeal and set your house apart from your competitors on the market:
Make Your Kitchen Shine
A nice, modern kitchen has tremendous appeal. However, if you can’t afford a full update, get new cabinets. Minor kitchen remodels can yield up to a 78 percent return on investment when the house is sold, while major remodels can yield up to 73, according to the Remodeling magazine report. ThisOldHouse.com recommends you choose a neutral color for flooring, kitchen cabinets and counter-tops for a look that will make it through any trend.
Freshen Up Paint and Flooring
There’s nothing quite like a fresh coat of paint to make your home feel clean and new again, no matter how old it is. Choose pleasing, neutral, stylish colors so that prospective buyers will be able to envision their own furniture and decor in the home. Improving the look of your flooring is another way to add immediate value and appeal. Laminates are low maintenance and can be scrubbed and buffed by hand. In most cases, having carpets professionally cleaned does the trick. (If the carpets are really bad, consider adding a flooring credit in to your home’s asking price, or replacing it yourself. The return on investment will be in your favor.)
Add a Security System
Another simple way to add value is by having a security system installed. Compare companies to get the best deal and use a service like LifeShield.com security reviews to see which system is right for your home. Whether the new owner decides to enable the security system or not, having this option adds value to your home’s appeal. If your home is modern, you might consider a wireless system that can be operated and monitored remotely; however, check with your real estate sales expert to find out what the best investment would be.
Make an Entrance
Your front door is likely the first contact prospective buyers will have with your house, and you don’t get a second chance to make that first impression. Take a good look at your front entrance. Is the door in need of a fresh coat of paint or perhaps some new fixtures? Does the door need to be replaced entirely? There are some stunning and affordable styles on the market these days, and if your door is a factory size it should be easy to install.
Curb Appeal
This may sound obvious, but a nicely mowed and trimmed lawn, some well-placed shrubs and clean, swept walkways all add up to a good first impression. Have the driveway pressure washed, and if you don’t have a green thumb, hire landscapers to do clean-up work and add aesthetic touches. The overall picture your property conveys makes an impact, and good curb appeal will make prospective buyers want to come in and find out more about your house.
The bottom line is to pick and choose your projects based on the ones that make the most sense (and dollars and cents). Your real estate professional will walk you through basic touches that will maximize the return on your investment. The best advice, though is simple: Create a space that prospective buyers will see themselves (and not you and your family) in.