If you want to put your house up for sale, you should consider ways to do some renovations to increase its value. This might sound tiring and expensive but the simplest things can turn things around. Just take a little bit of time every day to improve or add some features that will make potential homebuyers to buy your house.
Not everyone has the time or the budget for big renovations so here are 50 ways to increase the value of your home to attract buyers. These few simple steps might even make you want to live in your house longer!
1. Paint everything.
You might be surprised at how much a simple paint job can increase the value of your home. If your walls are looking a little shabby, give everything a fresh coat. Just be sure to use quality paint in neutral colors. It’s super easy and this will definitely add value.
2. Have the house inspected.
You might not think it’s necessary but having an inspector come to look your house over can add a lot of value. They’ll focus on the physical aspects of your home, as well as the foundation and even utility tanks. Being able to tell people you’ve had a recent inspection can make a big difference.
3. Consult with a professional.
4. Make things more energy-efficient.
Making a home more energy-efficient doesn’t just cut back on your bills, it also gives home seekers a big incentive to buy. People are looking for homes that have green technology like solar lighting and heating.
5. Landscape.
It might seem obvious but the way your yard looks has a big impact on how people perceive your home. You can make your property go up in value simply by doing a bit of gardening and landscaping.
6. Keep the air clean in your house.
A lot goes into keeping your home’s air clean. This means cleaning carpets, especially older ones that trap dust and contaminants. Something this simple will make the air easier to breathe, especially for people with asthma and seasonal allergies. You can really tell the difference between a musty house and one with clean air.
7. Go for a modern look.
A lot of design looks that were popular back in the day aren’t trendy now. Popcorn ceilings and shag rugs are just two examples. Get rid of dated looks and update to make your home more appealing.
8. Select a single luxury.
Not everyone has the budget to massively renovate their home. But the good thing is, you don’t need to spend a lot of money! You can increase the value of your home by adding a single “luxury” feature, such as a garden fountain, walk-in shower, or hardwood floors.
9. Maintain the lawn.
Nothing looks worse than grass growing out-of-control in a front yard. If you want to increase your home’s value, keep the lawn trimmed and looking tidy. There’s no need for anything elaborate — regular mowing will go a long way.
10. Focus on the bathroom.
There are a couple of rooms in your home that you should focus on the most, and the bathroom is one of them. People want a comfortable bathroom that looks clean and modern. If this room of your house needs renovations, take them on.
11. Clean it up.
This might seem ridiculously simple but increase your home’s value keeping it clean! There’s always cleaning to be done in a home, and making sure you stay on top of it will attract potential homebuyers more than a messy house.
12. Create the illusion of more space.
If building an addition isn’t an option, think of ways you can create the illusion of more space. A smart interior designer can help you with tips to do this, whether it’s adding windows, knocking down walls, or simply brightening a room.
13. Fix up the kitchen.
The bathroom is one room that you should focus on; the kitchen is another. It’s a central room in the house, so it’s vital that you keep it clean and comfortable. Updating appliances, adding fresh paint to the walls, and other touches to make it look great are incredibly important.
14. Don’t let maintenance fall by the wayside.
Make sure you perform regular maintenance on all the structures of your house or utilize professional services if you need them. Whether that means pumping your sewage tank, inspecting for fire safety, or fixing your leaky faucet, maintenance is critical to your home’s value.
15. Update your water heater.
You might think that water heaters are pretty straightforward but it may be a good idea to look at yours. Modern water heaters are highly energy-efficient. So, investing in one could be a solid choice for increasing your home’s value.
16. Keep your appliances updated.
If you aim to make your kitchen comfortable and functional, you need to have modern, working appliances. Your refrigerator, microwave, and stove shouldn’t be decades old!
17. Pay attention to the front door.
Here’s a quick and simple way to make your house more attractive: repaint the front door. If there is anything that makes a house pop, it’s a bright and cheery door that enhances curb appeal.
18. Keep floors looking great.
Lovers of hardwood can rejoice: they are coming back in style while carpets are going out. This flooring has the added benefit of being super easy to clean. If you want to increase the value of your home, consider replacing carpets with beautiful hardwood.
19. And do the same thing for ceilings.
Ceilings are a prime example of old trends decreasing the value of a home. If you have classic popcorn ceilings, have them removed. Then, replace them with a paint job. You’ll be surprised by how much that does for the appearance of your home.
20. Make your home nice and bright.
Don’t underestimate the appeal of proper lighting throughout your home. Whether you change out the bulbs or purchase new lighting fixtures, this will make all the difference in how rooms look and feel.
21. Put up some windows.
Windows fulfill two purposes that have already been mentioned on this list: they let in light and they create the illusion of space. If you can draw more attention to windows or even add a pair of French doors, your house will feel much bigger and brighter.
22. Add storage space.
Adding storage space always increases the value of a home. Find spots to focus on, including the attic, basement, or garage. This will be a huge benefit for any homebuyer who doesn’t want to rent a storage unit.
23. Replace outside walkways.
The way your house looks from the outside really does matter. If your sidewalks or pathways are in need of some TLC, make it a priority to treat them. That might mean repaving, fixing cracks or holes, or pressure washing them.
24. Paint the outside of the house.
Remember, first impressions matter, even when it comes to real estate. People are going to form an opinion about your house the moment they park outside. Why not make it look its best – starting from the outside in?
25. Prioritize small improvements.
Don’t underestimate the value of small improvements. You might not have the time or the budget to do extensive renovations, but every small thing you do adds value! Something as simple as replacing a bathroom or kitchen faucet helps.
26. Get rid of clutter.
You might not think that doing some Konmari could increase the value of your home. But keeping your house clean and tidy is one of the best ways to make an impression right off the bat. That means decluttering, whether you donate, sell, or recycle.
27. Don’t forget the money.
When it comes to increasing your home’s value, not everything is about renovating. You should also talk with a financial advisor regarding ways to increase the value with a plan for paying off the mortgage.
28. Give it some curb appeal.
Curb appeal refers to the way that your house looks from the street. Walk to the road and look at your house to assess its curb appeal. Then, make a plan.
29. Make it easy to care for.
One of the best things you can do for your home’s next residents is to make it easy to take care of. This means both cleaning and maintenance.
30. Add an extension.
31. Don’t forget the tech.
We live in an age where smart homes are a real thing, and they’re becoming more and more common. Adding smart technology like thermostats, stoves, refrigerators, lighting, security systems, and more to your home is a great way to increase its value.
32. Remove any outdated materials.
Getting rid of old stuff goes beyond scraping down the popcorn ceilings. You should also make sure that any dangerous materials are removed as well. This might include asbestos in the ceiling, floor, lead piping under your sink (which should always be done by professionals).
33. Upgrade to stainless steel.
If you’re looking to upgrade your appliances, go for stainless steel. This will give your home a modern look. It’s hugely popular among homebuyers, giving you a leg up in the housing market.
34. Replace your countertops.
Replacing countertops is a simple way to make your kitchen look fresh and modern. If there’s one big renovation you’re willing to tackle, this is a great choice.
35. Add an additional living space.
Versatility is the name of the game when it comes to adding an extension to your home. Homebuyers are looking for extra rooms that can be reworked into new ideas like a playroom, den, gaming room, mother-in-law’s quarter, and more.
36. Add a laundry room.
Many people now say the one thing they prioritize in a new home is a separate laundry room. This is another good point to know when you’re planning renovations to increase your home’s value.
37. Install LED lights.
LED lights are a great way to save both money and energy. Many people are looking for green alternatives when it comes to heating and lighting their homes, so LED lights are a must.
38. Use energy-efficient windows.
Energy-efficient windows are another way to optimize the heating and lighting of your home. They help regulate the internal temperature of the house, cutting back on heating and cooling costs.
39. Provide an easy-to-clean house.
Don’t underestimate the appeal of a house that is easy to keep clean. A great example: add more tile and hardwood than carpeting, and increase open space.
40. Replace the utilities’ systems.
If your home is a few decades old, it may be long overdue for an update on its furnace, climate control, water heater, and other utility systems. You’ll need a professional to come by and inspect these for you.
41. Replace carpet with hardwood flooring.
It bears repeating: people prefer hardwood flooring over carpeting for a number of reasons. It’s easier to keep clean and, you can change its look by adding rugs. You can’t beat the look of hardwood floors.
42. Put in a walk-in shower.
Another great luxury feature is a walk-in shower. If you plan to renovate your bathroom, this may be the perfect project.
43. Put in a toilet designed for comfort.
This doesn’t mean anything fancy or unusual, just having a toilet that is tall and wide enough to be used by anyone!
44. Keep paint colors neutral.
Painting is crucial when it comes to upping the value of your home but stick to neutral tones. Whites and eggshell shades are the best choices.
45. Use top-quality paint.
There’s no point in painting if you aren’t going to use the good stuff. Choose paint that applies easily and lasts for years, even through multiple washing, wear and tear, and time.
46. Make lawn care easy.
When you’re revamping your lawn, don’t make caring for it overly complicated. Focus on making it look presentable without adding too many details.
47. Plant perennials.
Flowers are great for enhancing curb appeal, but it’s important to choose ones that don’t require a lot of maintenance. Perennials are the perfect choice since they are hardy and they bloom on a yearly basis.
48. Fill your yard with native trees.
Believe it or not, planting native trees strategically throughout your yard might cut your energy costs by as much as 50 percent.
49. Optimize your energy use with a garden.
The plants that you choose and the way that you place them in your yard can do a lot for saving on energy costs. Choose young shrubs and let them grow to help reduce consumption.
50. Avoid a fake yard.