8 Things You Can Do to Increase Your Property Value

Some factors that determine a property’s value, such as location and the state of the market, are out of your control. But luckily, there are some things you can do if you’re concerned with the resale value of your home.

Home owners will often let childhood memories, family traditions and financial worries get in the way of making necessary home improvements and fail to maximize their return on investment.

You have to keep in mind that your home is one of your biggest assets and should you decide to sell in the near or distant future, you don’t want to have to settle for less.

It might take some time and effort now, but the sooner you start to be mindful of these details, the less likely you are to have to make costly repairs in a hurry, because you can’t find a buyer willing to pay the price you’re asking for and you want to buy another house and move elsewhere.

We’ve compiled a list of the most effective tips real estate professionals have to offer.

Make Sure Your Kitchen Is Presentable

People really care about kitchens. According to some recent surveys, 80% of buyers consider the kitchen one of the top three most important spaces they look at to decide if a house is worth bidding on. That means that a run-down kitchen can be a deal breaker for most potential buyers.

A complete kitchen makeover can get very expensive, but even a few minor upgrades can help you stand out from the competition and result in being able to sell your property faster and at a higher price.

Budget friendly improvements include painting or refinishing old cabinets. Supposing you can’t afford to replace them, this will give the room a fresher look. You could also install new knobs and handles.

Consider replacing outdated countertops with quartz or granite and make sure your appliances match. You can get new ones or better second-hand models or you could paint them.

The lighting is also important, it’s not very expensive to at least change the light bulbs and it will make all the difference.

Bathroom Repairs

When it comes to return on investment, bathrooms are second only to kitchens. Bathroom makeovers are not as expensive, but making certain that the boiler and plumbing are in good working condition goes a long way. You can show potential buyers that the faucets and shower head have been replaced with new ones and that the boiler has recently been checked. But be careful that the new fixtures complement, rather than clash with the rest of the room.

If your tub and/or shower look a bit shabby, getting new ones can be quite pricey, so we recommend that you have them professionally relined.

Small Issues That Can Drive down the Price of Your Home

Once you’ve gone through the kitchen and bathroom, there are a few more details that can really affect a buyer’s willingness to pay good money.

Peeling paint, dirty walls (check door frames and around light switches), squeaky doors, broken light bulbs and moldy sealant can give a really bad impression and they’re not very hard to fix.

Some fresh paint in more modern colors is very effective and you can do it yourself. The idea is to make the house look well taken care of. When people visit the property and see that these things have been overlooked, they start to think about what else you might have been ignoring and how much unforeseen repairs could cost them after purchasing.

The front door needs to look nice since it’s the first thing visitors will see. If it presents security risks, you’ll have to switch it for a new one but otherwise, a power wash or a fresh coat of paint will do just fine. The doorknob, house number or name sign are also little things that matter more than you’d think.

The Most Profitable Décor Changes

Some interior design tricks can really make a big impact on your home’s resale value, and the good news is that you don’t have to hire professionals to spruce up the place. There are loads of things you can do by yourself or with the help of family and friends.

Strategically placed mirrors

Mirrors can make a room look larger and if you position them in front of a window, they’ll also increase the amount of natural light. Hallways and corridors often feel cramped but they’re usually the first space potential buyers walk into. With the help of some stylish statement mirrors you can enhance the property’s overall décor and turn a problem into profit.

Stay neutral

When it comes to design fads, you may think that it’s a good idea to redecorate your home according to the latest trends but you risk alienating some buyers. You want to appeal to as many people as possible so go for neutral tones and cozy, welcoming finishes. Let them envision what they could to with the place to better fit their personalities.

Take your target market into account

Who will be interested in moving into your neighborhood? Is it an area that caters mostly to families or to young professionals? This way you’ll know what features potential buyers will be looking for and you’ll know how to invest your time and money.

Less is more – why decluttering is so important

Most people decide to buy a house after they’ve been renting for years and years. During that time, they’ve accumulated plenty of things they’re very attached to, and they’re looking for places with enough room for all of them.

Your property needs to look as spacious as possible and the best way to do that is to get creative when it comes to setting up storage spaces and keeping every room half empty. You only need to add the essentials.

Go green

We’re not referring to the color of the walls but rather environmentally friendly features. Even if not every visitor will be concerned with pollution, they will care about energy efficiency and the money they can save on bills.