Invisible improvements to a home. That's what a potential Seller and I talked about yesterday. He has a nice home - it needs a lot of cosmetic work - BUT he says - here's what I've done:
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upgraded the electric box to 40amp
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replaced plastic lines with copper tubing
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upgraded the attic insulation
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ran new wiring for all the light fixtures
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the window screens are high grade with a protective sunscreen barrier
These are all nice surprises for a potential homeowner - but it won't grab a buyer in MLS remarks and it won't get them running to see a home. There are many other improvements that people make that are "perks" but won't really improve the value or justify the price of the home such as:
Room additions - most aren't done correctly or not done in a way that makes sense - can't tell you how many bedrooms I've seen off the kitchen
Patio accessories - fish ponds, fountains, retractable awnings - can be costly and won't add dollar value to a home
Wall-to-wall carpet - just don't do it. The first thing most people do when they buy a home is replace the flooring and many opt for tile floors.
High end appliances or fixtures - a client once said, "that $900 light fixture works the same as my $25 one". The same goes for a $4,000 refrigerator, expensive light covers, etc., while "neat" it won't change the price of the home.
Picture postcard landscaping - you are better off making sure your lawn is mowed, bushes trimmed and pathways clear, than you are putting in expensive rock designs, plants that need constant watering or maintenance, or lots of decorative borders. Like carpet, people will redo a backyard to match their personality.
These are just some things to consider when deciding on which improvements to make to your home. Get the biggest return on your money and upgrade things that people can see and that add the most value to your home. If you are unsure about what to do or not do - talk with your real estate professional for advice before you begin!
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