If you’re selling your home, you want to get the best price possible. You might think that means doing expensive renovations or repairs. But there are actually a lot of things you can do to add dollar signs to your bottom line without a hefty investment or major projects. Here are 15 of the best ways to increase home value on your house for sale.
Maintenance and Repairs
When a buyer enters a home, they want to see that it’s been well cared for and is move-in ready. But if they see things like broken porch railings or a peeling paint job, they’ll assume that the home hasn’t been properly cared for and will offer accordingly. So, before you put your home on the market, make sure to do all the necessary repairs and maintenance items. This will show buyers that your home is in good condition and that they won’t have to do any work once they move in.
Power Wash the Exterior of Your Home
A power washer can do wonders for your home’s curb appeal. It will make the exterior of your home look clean and fresh, which is exactly what buyers are looking for. Plus, it’s a relatively inexpensive way to increase your home’s value.
Landscaping
Replace Window and Door Screens
Paint the Interior of Your Home
Light Switch Plates and Socket Covers
Doorknobs and Locks
Clean the Carpets
Carpets that are stained or full of dirt will make buyers think that the rest of the home is just as dirty. Having them cleaned (or replaced if they’re in bad condition) is a simple way to raise the value of your home.
Update Hardware
Declutter and Depersonalize
When buyers walk into your home, they want to imagine themselves living there. That’s why it’s important to declutter and depersonalize before putting your home on the market. This means getting rid of personal items like family photos and knick-knacks, as well as anything that’s taking up too much space. The goal is to make your home look clean, spacious, and inviting – not cluttered and cramped.
Deep Clean
Recaulk Sinks, Tubs, Showers, and Windows
Stage Your House for Sale
Staging is the process of making your home look its best for buyers. This means arranging furniture, adding accessories, and doing anything else that will make the space look more attractive. For example, adding white towels to the bathroom, along with white candles, can add a spa-like feeling to the space.
Think of adding a bowl of fresh fruit on the kitchen counter, cut flowers in a vase on the table, and live plants to the other rooms in the house. These things add a sense of nurturing and comfort, showing that things in the house thrive.
Talk to Your Real Estate Agent
If you’re not sure how to increase the value of your home, your real estate agent will be able to give you plenty of tips. They’ve helped countless other sellers increase the value of their homes, so they know what works and what doesn’t.
Get an Appraisal and Take Notes
You can get an appraisal from a professional appraiser before you list your house. This will tell you how much your home is currently worth, as well as what improvements you can make to increase its value. Implement the suggestions from the appraisal and appraiser’s report, making sure to take note of what you’ve done so you can share it with buyers later on.
Appraisers tend to gauge the value of homes in $500 increments, so even small and inexpensive updates can significantly improve your home’s value. If your home is currently valued at $200,000 and the appraiser suggests improvements that would increase its value to $210,000, those improvements could potentially add $10,000 to the selling price of your home.
Conclusion
Making even a few small changes to your home can make a big difference in its value. By taking the time to do things like declutter, deep clean, and update your hardware, you can increase the value of your home and make it more appealing to buyers. Just remember to consult with your real estate agent before making any major changes – they’ll be able to advise you on what will (and won’t) help sell your home quickly and for the most money.
