Looking to sell your home soon — or even a few years from now? Whether or not you’re planning on moving, there are several ways to increase the value of your home. In fact, the earlier you take on these projects, the better, so that you’re not rushed in the busy months before a sale.
[See: 10 Tips to Sell Your Home Fast.]
Here are a few inexpensive updates that will give your home a major wow factor to potential buyers:
Kitchen
The heart of a home is in the kitchen, which is why it’s one of the first places people look when they are checking out a potential new home. Updating a kitchen can be daunting if you think you need to replace your cabinets or swap out expensive appliances; instead, try these smaller changes that have a big impact:
Instead of replacing dated or tired-looking kitchen cabinets, paint them. Don’t go for something trendy that might go out of style before you sell; instead, do a classic white or another neutral color, like light gray.
Updating hardware can also freshen up your kitchen. Try replacing cabinet door handles and drawer pulls to bring the room into a new era. You can also replace sink hardware and the faucet, or just give yours a good cleaning to make it shine.
Add a water filtration system. It’s an upgrade that always impresses, plus you no longer have to buy filters or bottled water.
[See: 10 Ways Millennials Are Changing Homebuying.]
Bathroom
Give your bathroom some TLC and you’ll see major improvements with only a few changes. It’s a small room, so it doesn’t take much to affect the overall look. Work on removing rust stains and cleaning the grout to brighten up your bathroom’s appearance. If it’s in your budget, update the hardware and even install a new toilet seat.
Total Home Upgrades
Painting your walls is one of the most straightforward ways to update your home. When painting, keep the wall colors neutral, which will appeal to the majority of potential buyers.
You know how lighting can completely make or break a great photo? It’s the same in your home. Update the lighting for an instant upgrade. Softer lighting will bring a warm, inviting feel to a room. Brighter lighting will make your home seem more open and airy, a major selling point. You can also add interesting light fixtures, such as pendant lights over a kitchen table or island. At the very least, thoroughly cleaning all your windows can brighten things up at no cost.
Storage is an important consideration for future homebuyers. If you can increase the closet space in your home, or add a closet organizer, it will go far to impress. If you have any dens or playrooms in your home, consider adding a closet to increase the number of bedrooms listed in your home.
If your carpet is looking dull or tired, get a good professional cleaning service rather than replacing it. The next owners would likely rather choose their own flooring, so as long as yours is in good condition, replacing it is an unnecessary expense.
[See: 10 Oddly Practical Things You Can Rent.]
Curb Appeal
The first thing potential buyers will see is the front of your home. To attract their interest, take extra care in the front lawn and make your home look welcoming. Keep your shrubs trimmed, your walkway clean and maybe add a few hanging baskets or a wreath on the door.
In the yard, prune your trees and clean up any tangled branches to keep everything looking neat and maintained.
You could even give your front door a fresh coat of brightly colored paint to draw attention to your home.
Lastly, you can always schedule a consultation with a real estate agent or designer for professional suggestions about changes that will increase the value of your home. They may advise a new paint color or other relatively quick fixes that can make a world of difference.
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Easy, Affordable DIY Projects to Increase the Value of Your Home originally appeared on usnews.com
