Perhaps you’re considering selling your home, but you want to make some upgrades or improvements before putting it on the market. Maybe you have questions about choosing the best return on investment home improvement projects. In this article, you’ll learn about some of the most popular upgrades and additions that have produced a significant return for other homeowners in recent months. You can use this list to decide how you want to upgrade your home before you list it for sale.
High-usage areas
People use kitchens and bathrooms every day. With that in mind, it makes sense that remodels in these areas have the highest ROI potential. Homes with modern appliances and other luxury features tend to spend less time on the market, so you stand to save time as well.
Kitchen remodel
While touring your house, most buyers will gravitate toward your kitchen. A large-scale remodel should give the impression of luxury nonpareil, whereas you want minor upgrades to feel like a large-scale remodel. The kitchen is a high-stakes zone where careful planning pays dividends.
Consult your agent to determine whether to undertake a major kitchen remodel. Especially in older homes, the layouts of some kitchens often don’t make sense. Cabinets and flooring can wear over the years and require replacements. Such projects take time and expertise as well as money, so make sure they will be worth it in the long run.
Before your open house, replace outdated appliances with the latest models (or stainless steel versions that appear modern). Up-to-date appliances are all the rage these days. For one, they signal to prospective buyers that you are conscientious about their preferences. New refrigerators, microwaves, and ovens are also fun to use.
Bathroom remodel
Minor bathroom remodels are easily one of the best return-on-investment home improvement projects. Even if you only clean and repaint your bathrooms, they can persuade buyers to enter the bidding for your house. Most bathrooms are relatively small, so beware of cramping the space with unnecessary furniture.
On the easy side of the spectrum, replace handles or knobs on cabinets and drawers. A new showerhead with excellent water pressure always makes an impression. Depending on your budget and timeline, you may opt for heated floors or spa-style towel racks. And a home inspection will reveal whether you need new electrical wiring or plumbing.
Cosmetic improvements
You can revitalize your home's interior and exterior with relatively inexpensive projects. In most cases, it’s a no-brainer.
Curb appeal
Curb appeal is how people feel about your house as they first see it in person. As you might expect, the best ways to boost your curb appeal involve landscaping and the front exterior of your house. Most homes look their best and sell for the most in the spring and summer.
First, ensure your lawn is seeded, aerated, and neatly mown. A fresh coat of paint, a new front door or windows, and lush foliage along the entryway make for an elegant veneer. If you have a garden, plant native flowers. You will make the right first impression with a clean porch and the cursory welcome mat.
Interior design
We’ve covered the versatility and value of new paint, inside and out. Beyond the surface of things, the best agents bring an eye for design to each living space of your home.
If you’ve ever rented or vacationed in a new house, you know the cumulative effect of interior style. When pieces of furniture are well-spaced, you have more room to maneuver and comfort (whether you realize it or not). Wall hangings, lamps, mirrors, and the like can be arranged to heighten your home’s aesthetic appeal.
Lighting is like the common denominator of interior design. Fortunately, new lighting is one of the simplest and least costly ways to transform the inside of your home. You can open windows to maximize natural light, and indoor fixtures can enlighten the shady spaces behind walls or other obstructions. Experiment with dimmer switches and smart lighting controls to wow guests.
New arrangements
Cosmetics can elevate the form of your home, and you also want it to be functional. To do so, maximize living space and designate a clear purpose for each separate room. Your home’s function should suit your target buyers as closely as possible.
Finish unfinished spaces
The more spacious your home is, the more it will appeal to established families and couples who plan on having children. And larger houses tend to have more unused or unfinished space. Time permitting, work with your agent to identify empty zones and renovate them with some purpose. You might uncover an extra bedroom or entertainment area that will add to the sum of your home’s appeals. You can also increase your house's functional square footage by turning an unfinished area into an entertainment area.
Transform blank rooms
All you have to do is take one walk through your home. Does every space and room have a clear intention? With your agent, decide on a clear purpose for each area. For example, say you have an extra bedroom-sized room. How would it best contribute to your home? If you already have four bedrooms, consider outfitting the spare room as a home office. More expansive areas have more possible combinations — dining-slash-entertainment areas are popular.
Add outdoor living space
In Austin, buyers love homes with outdoor living spaces. The climate allows for patio parties or fire pit circles year-round. Even less social buyers can appreciate the novelty of a flatscreen TV on their porches.
Do you have surplus lawn area in the backyard? If your home doesn’t already have a porch or deck, now is the perfect time to add on. Your agent can tell you about times luxury patios clinched deals for their clients. Outfit your backyard with outdoor furniture, including a grill, and make sure the place stays lit at night.
Once you have your home upgraded and ready to sell, reach out to Eric Copper, and he will help you take the next step. Eric can also provide critical insights about the best return on investment home improvement projects to help your home attract more attention from prospective buyers. He takes great pride in helping his clients reach their goals, and he would love for you to be the next person he serves. Reach Eric at your convenience and start the conversation about your next foray into Austin real estate.
