When it comes time to sell your home, there are a few things that perspective buyers will notice right away. For starters, if you want people to be interested in your home before they even tour it, curb appeal is of utmost importance. And, while it might seem like a good idea to remodel the kitchen and update the bathroom, choosing to invest that money in repairs and updates into things that will really make a difference to buyers would be an even smarter move.
Start with the entrance to your home. Your front door is the first thing people see when they’re walking into your home; If its paint is chipping, the hardware looks tarnished, or feels insecure, your perspective buyer surely won’t be impressed. Replacing the front door is also one of those home improvement investments that can bring in a major return when it comes time to sell (more than 100%, to be exact).
Make sure your lawn is in great condition. Again, to make sure your home’s curb-appeal is on point, investing in great landscaping is a smart move. Because so many perspective home buyers are shopping online first these days, a picture is worth $1,000. If your home doesn’t look attractive in pictures, it won’t garner the attention it deserves.
Add a fresh coat of paint. Most of your potential buyers are paying attention to what needs to be fixed or updated when they view your home. Taking the time to repaint your home can alleviate some stress for buyers, and may even help to give the impression that the home has been very well taken care of. You should choose a color that’s warm and inviting, like taupe, tan, or white, since tones in this family often appeal to larger group of people.
Convert your house into a smart home. Everyone is talking about smart homes, and adding it to your home could be enough to sway the buyer. Plus, it’s a fairly inexpensive upgrade that could result In a major return on your investment. Though, like most technology products, the prices range from reasonable to bank-breaking, so be sure to check with your realtor to confirm that it’ll be worth the investment.
Install a privacy fence. With a quality fence surrounding your property, your home will automatically be more appealing AND feel safer to prospective buyers. Depending on your location, a privacy fence could be anywhere from 4 to 9 feet tall, and are typically made from sturdy materials like wood and stone. Chain link fencing is also an option, though it’s not as easy on the eyes and doesn’t offer any privacy. And, while home owners can usually expect to spend around $2,500 for a quality fence, you would also get a 100% return in updated home value.
Update the windows. Replacing older, single pane windows will increase the level of security, improve the appearance, and reduce energy costs in your home. In fact, according to energy star, you can save anywhere from $125-$465 per year on energy bills. Though you may not get a full return on your investment when reselling your home, many buyers will see an added value in energy saving additions. On top of that, replacing the windows in your home can really make a difference in the look and feel of your home.
Give the exterior of your home a good rinse. Pressure washing is one of the easiest, most effective and affordable ways to rejuvenate the exterior of your home. Home owners often don’t realize just how dirty their driveways and walkways are; that is, until they start pressure washing any given area and begin to notice a difference. And, if the paint on your home is still in good condition, a quick pressure wash will brighten the color and make your home more welcoming to visitors. When considering this option, remember that you can pay someone to do it for you for around $250 OR you can rent a machine and do it yourself.