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While there are a few things that you can do to improve the resale value, many of the more dramatic “improvements” end up costing more than they’re worth – and one of the most common of these is doing a home renovation. Studies have shown that renovations typically cause a loss of as much as 50% of any gain in equity due to the expense involved with home improvements. However, those who use those renovations to “pimp” their homes usually don’t have an issue with these numbers – they’re just happy to have a finished product that looks nice. For those who aren’t concerned with the money side of the equation, there are a few ways that you can use normal home maintenance to improve resale value.
Have sturdy outdoor furniture.
The first thing potential buyers will see when they walk through your front door is your outdoor living space, so it’s important to make sure it makes a good first impression.
Accessorising your deck or patio with accessories like potted plants, tables or chairs can turn it into a home feature. You don’t need to spend more than you would for indoor furniture on outdoor furniture, but you also don’t want to buy the most basic model available, as that can make your home look a little bare. Average resale value: In a 2019 RE/MAX survey, the average value of an outdoor patio set was almost $3,000. In addition, HomeServe USA recommends making sure that your lawn is cut and your exterior is well maintained—that means regularly checking gutters and downspouts for clogs and regularly mowing the lawn. Bring in potted plants to add life to your yard; flowers are nice, but greenery is even better because it requires less tending than flowers do. Finally, make sure all your outdoor lighting fixtures are clean and bright—replace bulbs when necessary.
A front porch
A front porch is a great way to get your home off on the right foot by giving it curb appeal. A front porch with a swing is a guaranteed way to attract buyers, and it can help make your home stand out from the competition. Just think: if you were a buyer, and you saw a house with a swing on the front porch, wouldn’t that sway you in favour of that particular house? You’d certainly think that this house was inviting and friendly. Your home should be the same way.
Bump Up Your Curb Appeal With a Walkway
In addition to improving the look of your front entrance, there are other ways to spruce up your yard. According to The Huffington Post, creating a walkway between your mailbox and front door is a quick way to make a good impression on potential buyers. This simple addition will also help you identify if prospective buyers take a long or short path to reach your front door.
Home Style
Choose a style that’s in demand in your area. If it’s now trendy, chances are it will be even more popular years from now when you sell. Make sure to choose a style that fits your life and not just one that looks great when you buy the house. That goes for smaller things like colours and furnishings, too. If it doesn’t suit your needs now, chances are it won’t years from now, either.
Paint your front door.
It’s the first thing people see when they walk up to your house, so make sure it’s in good condition. Consider painting it a neutral colour like black or white to make it pop against your house. If you’re selling your home, you want to give it the best chance of selling for top dollar. While it may seem like just a front door, the colour, material and condition (or lack thereof) can affect the resale value and thus the price you get.
According to a recent Houzz survey, about half of homeowners (49 per cent) say their door is one of the first things buyers notice when looking at their home. And while it might not be your biggest concern while selling — (60 per cent say that curb appeal is the No. 1 thing that attracts buyers) — it’s still a big deal.
Keep it clean.
Keeping things clean can be a challenge, but clutter can make your home look smaller and cluttered. A cluttered living room with stacks of magazines, newspapers, books and video game consoles can make buyers wonder if there’s more to clutter throughout the home. Make the most of every inch of your space; get rid of things you no longer need or use. Start by getting rid of clutter on tabletops and in hallways. Then get organised. Make sure closets are clean and organised and clear out any clutter in the garage. If you’re wondering how to get rid of things like beds, couches or large appliances that won’t fit in your trash bin, you’ll want to check out Skirting King’s guide on how to donate unwanted items.
Fix leaks!
The real estate market is notoriously competitive, especially in tech-booming tech hubs like Seattle, home to tech giants like Amazon. One of the most important factors to improve your property’s resale value is your home’s foundation, specifically leaky basements or roofs. Leaky basements or roofs can damage not only your home but also cause mould growth, which will worsen your resale value. To fix leaky windows or doors or damaged walls, you can remove the paint or wallpaper and replace it. If you see mould, make sure to clean it properly using a disinfectant.
Final words
The amount of time you spend living in your home significantly affects its resale value. A well-maintained home is more attractive to buyers, which leads to greater interest. You might focus on upgrades that help improve the flow of air through your space, which will help keep the indoor air quality high, and lower your utility bills. Once you’ve made some upgrades, it might be time to make some improvements to your curb appeal. While you want the first impression to be an attractive one for new visitors, you also want it to look like there is the reason for passersby to come to check out the inside of the house.