Upgrades that Pay Off Big Time

22 Aug Upgrades that Pay Off Big Time

If there is one constant in life, it’s change. The world is ever evolving and humans are always changing: a new job, a better car, trendier clothes, even a new home. Most of us purchase a home knowing that we will eventually sell it and move on to something else. We can get attached to our homes, which is why selling can be such an emotional process. The value we assign to our homes isn’t always reflected in the sale price. However, there are a few ways we can make sure we get the most money for our homes: upgrades. There are quite a few upgrades that are almost guaranteed to boost your “for sale” price.

Stay in the Current Decade

With more and more millennials buying homes, style is no longer taking a back seat. The days of walking into a peach-tiled bathroom from the 50s are gone. If you’re hoping to get top dollar at resale, give your bathroom a makeover that brings it to the current decade.

Typical bathroom makeovers are about $10,500, but yield a 102 percent return, according to HGTV. If you can’t afford a full-scale renovation, try updating your fixtures (sink handles and faucets, towel racks) and a fresh coat of paint. HGTV also suggests re-caulking and re-glazing your tub for a polished look. With a 102 percent return on investment, it’s hard to argue not spending a little cash in this often overlooked space.

Yard Curb Appeal

We all want a Secret Garden type yard, but many of us don’t have the time or energy to create such an oasis. Luckily for us, updating our landscaping adds significant value to a home and doesn’t have to be anything lavish. As one of the cheaper projects to add value, landscaping is a great option for those with a tight budget, but time to spare. After all, nothing says “I take care of my home” like a stunning yard.

Don’t have a green thumb? No worries. Local garden centers often offer free design consultations to bring your yard to life. Because brown, dead grass is a telltale sign of neglect, make sure you add grass seed (if you’re waiting to sell for a little bit) or sod to your yard. Once you’ve got the base down, add color with flowers. Much like a brightly-colored door adds something special to a home, so do bright flowers. To get the most of of your yard, vary plant heights to add dimension. You’ll earn back every penny at a 100 percent return rate.

Beauty on the Outside Matters, too

No matter how charming the interior of your home is, if the exterior is grungy or dull, you’ll lose points in the buyer’s mind, which translates to less dollars in your pocket. Think of the exterior of your home as your first impression to potential buyers. Is it inviting? In need of a good power wash? Boring?

While HGTV suggests replacing siding for a 95.5 percent return, we prefer the less expensive options. Painting the siding and trim can easily clean up a house and appear more inviting to buyers. Another way to up your home’s curb appeal is to remove window awnings, paint the front door or make your front porch stand out. Something as simple as replacing the old railings lining the walkway can result in major returns.

Show Like a Million Bucks

One of the easiest, and perhaps our favorite, ways to increase your resale value can be free! It involves setting up your home as if it’s worth a million bucks. Some prefer to pay a stager to come in and decorate, but for those Pinterest-addicted DIYers, staging on your own is well worth it. Add crown molding to add an instant upscale feel and use interior design apps to help show you where to place furniture. For example, furniture that isn’t placed against the wall can make your living room feel bigger. More space, more money.

Ready to Buy your New Home?

Now that you’ve done your updates and are getting top-dollar offers, it’s time to find a new home. If you’re looking for all the upgrades mentioned above, contact us to learn more about our beautiful homes. We’d love to show you what our homes have to offer and why we’re known for being one of the best!