When you have a house for sale, many easy improvements will increase the sale value of your home.
Hire a Professional
Have your realtor or an interior designer look at your home. Your agent will do this for free. However, consider paying an interior designer to do a quick evaluation of your home. Both provide tips on needed improvements to your home. Small changes, including paint color and furniture placement, can significantly improve the scalability of your home.
Inspection
Get an inspection from a professional. Not all improvements are cosmetic. Repairs cannot be made unless you know there is a problem. An inspector examines areas of your home you may not see. This includes the condition of your roof, the electrical system, the plumbing, termite infestation – the list goes on. Be advised, small problems can quickly become big problems if not dealt with promptly. An inspection also provides peace of mind for buyers, increasing home value and reducing the time your home sits on the market.
Paint
Painting is a simple, cost-effective way to improve the price of your home for sale. It makes a home look updated and clean. Painting even improves the smell of a home. Select colors recommended by the professional you hired or consulted with earlier. In general, use neutral colors. They appeal to people and make your home desirable. Paint is inexpensive, and as an added bonus, most homeowners can paint a home themselves.
Reduce Energy Costs
Local utility companies provide free energy audits for customer’s homes. The audit illustrates improvements to make, maximizing the energy efficiency of your home. This saves money now and increases the value of your home when you sell it.
Get Inspired
Consider consulting home design books, magazines, websites and TV shows. Some enjoy watching these shows even when not selling a home. If that is you, do not forget what you have learned. What works and what does not work? Keep this simple, focusing on do-it-yourself projects. This increases the value of your home for sale.
These home improvements increase the value of your home for sale and cost between $100 and $200.
Do Some Low-Maintenance Landscaping
Colorful plants and shrubs make your home more appealing and increase sale value. However, only purchase plants native to your region and plants that are drought and winter tolerant. Buyers want attractive plants that are also low maintenance.
Plant Some Trees
Plan for future landscaping improvements that will improve over time. This increases your enjoyment of the home and improves home value. Shade trees are attractive and can decrease cooling costs. Proper landscaping is good for the environment, further increasing value.
Get Rid of Popcorn Ceilings
Popcorn ceilings date the look of your home and negatively impact home value. Spend a weekend getting rid of popcorn ceilings. Consult with an expert -- some popcorn ceilings contain asbestos. After determining it is safe, go to the hardware store and purchase what you need to smooth out your ceilings. This is a project homeowner can complete themselves.
Water Filtration System
Install a water filtration system in the kitchen. This purifies water and removes the need for bottled water, saving money. Water filtration systems are inexpensive and popular with homebuyers.
Improve Air Quality
Take steps to improve indoor air quality. Clean carpets, removing contaminants. Hire a professional to test indoor air quality. Replace carpets if cleaning is not enough. When replacing flooring, use natural, environmentally friendly products. Consider tile and laminate flooring. Hard surface floors are much easier to clean. These improvements increase the value of your home for sale.
If You are Selling Your Home
If you are selling your home, let us be a part of the process. At Hallmark Realty, Ltd., we enjoy working with home sellers. Let us work with you. Contact the local office you find most convenient.
