Easy Ways to Raise Your Home Value

Your home is the largest financial investment you will ever make. Investing money to improve your home will not only serve you well while you live there, it will pay off when the time comes to sell. Even if you are on a limited budget it is important to keep your home maintained and as up to date as possible.

Even if you do not plan to sell your home anytime soon, you will enjoy the upgrades as they will add value to your everyday life.

Here are a few easy and mostly inexpensive ways to raise your home value and improve its marketability, whether you are looking to sell next week or in five years:

1. Clean Up, Clear Out – potential return on investment 3-5%

41% of real estate professionals feel that the Smell Test (dirt, smells and clutter) are at the top of the list for the costliest home-selling mistakes.

Nothing makes your home less welcoming to you or buyers faster than clutter, grime, and the weird smells that accompany a messy home. Musty orders are the biggest concern because they could be the sign of mildew or even mold.

For severely cluttered homes, or if you are downsizing and need help determining what will work in your new home- we have the right talent to assist you.

2. Spruce up the Kitchen – potential return on investment 3-7%

54% of real estate professionals feel that the kitchen is among the most important rooms in the house.

I am sure you have heard the saying “The Kitchen is the Heart of the Home”. It is also the kitchen which more than any other room in your house that will sell your home.  First, make sure that all repairs are done, then look at sprucing it up; paint walls and perhaps cabinets, change hardware, add new window treatments. Lighting is the jewelry of the room and can be worth the investment as it adds a little WOW factor.

3. Freshen Up the Bath- potential return on investment 2-3%

43% of real estate professionals feel that the bathroom is one of the most important rooms of the home to have in good shape.

Simply installing new fixtures and lighting will make the space feel brighter and more appealing.

4. Paint – potential return on investment 1-3%

16% of real estate professionals feel the interior painting is an important element in fostering a sale of a home

A quote of paint is the quickest way to transform a room. Kitchens and bathrooms (as they see high traffic) and brightly colored rooms  should be painted prior to putting your home on the market. Whites and off whites tend to attract the most buyers.

5. Enhance the Exterior – potential return on investment 1-3%

31% of real estate professionals feel that the roof is one of the most important parts of the home to have in good shape. 

It is important to keep minor repairs kept on on the exterior of your home as well.  Remember that this is the first image that others have of your home. Besides repairs, new outdoor cushions, a beautiful door and arrangement, as well as sweeping up the dirt and cobwebs will help your curb appeal greatly.

This article was derived from Consumers Reports- March 2015. Click here to read the full article. 

Thinking of doing some work on your home but have no idea where to start or who to turn to for help?  

Marina, otherwise known as the Design Matchmaker, can answer your questions, educate you on how design professionals work and charge and quickly and painlessly match you with the right interior designer, design coach, contractor or architect for you and your project.  Learn more