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How to Increase Your Home’s Value Before Selling

Aiden Lowrie by Aiden Lowrie
October 16, 2024
in Home Improvement, Home Staging
Reading Time: 5 mins read
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If you’re planning on selling your home soon, or just want to improve your home’s value, there are steps to take to make your home more profitable. Here’s how to increase your home’s value before putting it on the market: 

Greener Home Improvements 

Making energy-efficient improvements increases the market value of your house and attracts eco-aware purchasers searching for affordable housing options. These upgrades can lower energy costs, increase comfort, and show off your sustainable efforts.

You can start your eco-makeover with attic, basement, and wall insulation rather than tackling the entire house at once. Adding in smart home gadgets like thermostats or lighting will likely bring in any tech-savvy or enthusiastic buyers as well. 

  • Read: 10 Common Homebuying Mistakes and How to Avoid Them 

Improve Curb Appeal

The first impression that potential buyers will get of your house is its curb appeal, which can greatly impact their assessment of your property. The list of curb appeal ideas can include painting the front door a new color, installing a new mailbox, or even fixing your garage door.

Make sure your front porch is in good condition, with no loose stairs or missing railings. Give your porch a thorough sanding and/or painting. This also applies to your rear deck. Showing off the possibilities of the outside space is a big value-add when it comes time to sell, regardless of whether the wood needs to be brightened with a power wash or you need to spend a little more money to replace the boards.

A few inexpensive exterior improvements can make a big difference. Never undervalue the impact of freshly painted trim and front doors. If you notice wear on your siding or roof, you should think about replacing or repairing them. In addition to making a house appear considerably more desirable, well-maintained siding and roofing reassure potential purchasers about the durability and integrity of the property.

To make the lawn look neat and welcoming, mow it frequently, trim the hedges, and weed the flower beds. Lush, healthy grass makes your house look better and demonstrates to potential buyers that it has been well-maintained. To add color and character, strategically plant bushes and seasonal flowers.

Kitchen and Bathroom

The kitchen is usually the focal point of any home, and according to the National Association of Realtors, upgrading and investing in the kitchen will usually result in a 67% cost recovery, while upgrading the bathroom usually results in a 78% cost recovery. 

This doesn’t mean you need to do a complete overhaul of this space. A fresh coat of paint on cabinets, a new backsplash or tile, shiny new hardware, or upgraded lighting and plumbing fixtures can make the space feel brand new. 

  • Read: 5 Home Staging Tips for Selling Your Home in the Fall

Basements and Other Unfinished Spaces

When figuring out the fair market value of your house, finished square footage is a crucial factor. Even smaller renovations like installing drywall and carpeting a room can transform an unfinished area into a valuable addition to your house, especially if you don’t want to finance a major renovation. By increasing the finished space’s footprint, you can raise the value of your house.

Declutter, Clean, and Organize 

Cost-free and one of the easiest ways to increase home value, decluttering and thoroughly cleaning your home creates a more inviting, spacious environment. Buyers can appreciate the potential of a home when it is free of clutter. To create a clear, airy space, get rid of extra furniture, personal belongings, and clutter. This makes it easier for purchasers to picture their own possessions in the house.

Small Repairs 

In the view of prospective purchasers, minor problems might pile up. Repair wall cracks, fix leaking faucets, and make sure all windows and doors open and close properly. These small fixes can have a significant impact on how people view your house.

Improve Lighting 

Your house can feel lighter and cozier with proper lighting. Modern, energy-efficient light fixtures should be used in place of obsolete ones. To improve visibility and atmosphere, provide more illumination to dim locations.

Stage for Viewings

One of the simplest strategies to sell a house quickly and for the highest price is to stage the property. A prospective buyer will be able to view your house in its best possible light if you stage it. It might assist you in demonstrating to the buyer what a house can provide without needing a total renovation. In many cases, staging can make a space feel more modern, functional, and inviting, ultimately leading to a faster sale and higher offers.

Are you looking to enter the real estate market this fall? Give us a call today! One of the experienced agents at Zoocasa will be more than happy to help you through the exciting home-buying process! 

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Aiden Lowrie

Aiden Lowrie

A Zoocasa Content Marketing Assistant, Aiden Lowrie gets to blend her love of writing with her love of all things real estate and marketing as a blog contributor. She loves to find niche spots in and around the GTA to explore, or find ways to make the most out of your space. Outside of work and blogging, Aiden enjoys being outside in the sunshine, patios with friends and family, and working on her own blog. Connect with Aiden to read more of her articles and insights!

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