Spend Less, Sell for More: Simple Upgrades Add Value to Your Home
Sometimes, simple home repairs and upgrades are better than eye-popping renovations that add ‘wow factor’ but cost the proverbial arm and leg. When it comes to adding value to your home, a massive investment can be self-defeating. It may prove difficult to recoup your money, and you may scare off potential buyers who don’t like your taste and aren’t interested in paying to undo your big improvement. Fixing up and dressing up your home with low-impact and inexpensive changes is increasingly the preferred strategy when it comes to preparing a house for sale.
If you’re watching your pennies, simple home repairs can be done for a few hundred dollars while saving you thousands. Best of all, this approach is in keeping with the ultimate goal of selling a home, add value by investing less and selling for more.
The following tips can help you get there.
Turn Some Heads
Curb appeal is a must-have if you’re serious about selling. It’s the first, and some would say, most important preparation any homeowner can make given the importance of a strong first impression. Fortunately, it’s not that difficult to get passers-by to turn their heads when they come across your home, and it’s not too expensive. Sprucing up your home’s exterior can mean lots of things, depending on need and budget. If there’s a long crack in your driveway or walkway, getting it filled should probably be first on your to-do list. Or, you might spend a bit more by turning those dingy shutters into bright and cheerful accents with a few cans of paint and some rollers and brushes.
Pressure washing siding that’s grown grimy over the years is always a good way to make a house look fresh and new for under $100. Replacing a mailbox that’s one stiff breeze away from falling over is always an inexpensive option. If you want to kick things up a notch, installing a new steel-reinforced front door is one of the most eye-catching changes you can make, and you’re nearly assured to recover your investment. And be careful not to underestimate the value of maintaining a neat, well-cared-for lawn, perhaps enhanced with some bright flowers and a trimmed hedge.
Walls and Lights
Once you’ve enticed a prospective buyer to come inside, the inspection starts. They’ll look in every nook and cranny and find imperfections you’d forgotten were even there. Start by examining the more obvious features, such as walls and lights. Be sure to patch, sand and paint any chinks or holes, even if they’re behind a door or off in the corner. A coat of fresh paint can do wonders inside as well as outside, so clean out those brushes and get out the primer and painter’s tape.
A well-lit home is a must for selling a house. Buyers should be able to clearly see the best features of each room, and get some idea of the changes they might make. Consider adding some lamps or putting in brighter light bulbs in rooms that need a fresher look. It’s also a good opportunity to add some appealing new light fixtures and dimmer switches, a popular feature among buyers. Adding natural light is another good way to add appeal. Install a set or two of blinds and keep your drapes open when staging your house.
Give the Bedroom a Boost
You can upgrade your bedroom without having to spring for a new bed or dresser. Adding a new bed spread, creating your own headboard or hanging a new painting on the wall opposite the bedroom door can make a good impression and make the same old room you’ve slept in for years look brand new.
Try to see your home from a different perspective when you’re considering putting it on the market. That’ll help you determine where you can make upgrades with inexpensive or simple do-it-yourself projects. The more you’re able to address potential problem areas, the better your chances of getting your asking price.
Courtesy of Pixabay.com.
Contributing Author:
Seth Murphy loves hands-on DIY projects and sharing what he has learned with others. He started PapaDIY to help others make their home DIY projects a success.
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