Check out this list of valuable home improvements before selling today
Kristin Hamilton wrote this post on adding value with home improvements. It is important to choose wisely, and Kristin highlights an incredible list of items that add value and make homes more sellable in today’s market.
A “must read” for anyone thinking of making improvements to their home.
What Improvements Can I Do to Upgrade My House That Will Add Value When I Sell?
Most prospective buyers are looking for homes that are move in ready so if you want to do a few upgrades before you put your home on the market, make sure you are not just throwing your money away.
Upgrading Kitchens: This is a money making investment if it is done correctly. Here are some suggestions.
- Upgrading Plumbing
- Recessed Lighting–Remove old fluorescent fixture.
- Slate, Tile or Wood Floors
Upgrading Bathrooms: This is another place that will add value to your dated home.
- New Fixtures; Vanities, Tub, Shower, and Toilets
- Walk-In Shower is you have room.
- New Flooring
- Upgraded Plumbing
- Upgraded Electrical; GFI’s are so important.
- Painting walls something more than white
- New Faucets and Fixtures
- Tile Surround in tub and showers
- New Glass Doors in shower
- Stone Countertops on sink vanity area.
Family Rooms: This is a popular area for most families so if you can enlarge this area and do a few improvements; your home will stand out from others.
- Flooring-Wood Floors are so popular here.
- Painting and removing old paneling.
- Mount TV on Wall to make room look more spacious.
- Remove dated Mantel from Fireplace.
- Paint a cool color-earthtone beiges very popular.
- Built in Cabinets if done fairly inexpensively.
- Remove excess furniture and equipment when putting everything back.
A New Front Door: This is usually the first thing a buyer looks at when they drive up so if your door is old, dated, paint peeling, and warped by weather and water it may be a time to replace your door. The major home improvement stores have contractors who will come out and replace the doors within a few days. They do a great job and the prices are fair. This is an improvement that will make sure your home looks inviting and well taken care of.
If you have one of those older aluminum screens (not security screen), just remove it so your new door will be visible from the street. If the door is in good condition, give it a new coat of paint to upgrade it. This will give your home great "Curb Appeal". This door is beautiful and just needs a little touch up paint. It will really attract a buyer and they will remember the red doors. Always give the buyer something to remember.
Open and Spacious Floorplan: When you are remodeling your kitchen and family room, knock out any non-load bearing walls to make it flow better and look bigger. *Your contractor can give you more advice on this.
Exterior:
- Paint the Trim around house and garage.
- Remove any junk around the house.
- Weed, edge, mow and water the lawn
- Trim the trees and shrubs.
- Plant flowers and maybe a bowl of flowers on the porch
- Buy a Roll-Up Garage Door if you have old style.
- Buy a new front door mat and throw old one away.
If you do these upgrades in basic colors, and use mid range appliances (black or Stainless), cabinetry (not oak), and supplies; you will add money to the value of your home. Do not buy the cheapest but do not buy the top of the line either. If you spend $100,000 remodeling your kitchen, you will not get the full value back out. As they say “You will not get as much bang for your buck”.
**One more thing, get several quotes and hire a contractor. Go on the state web site and make sure the person you hire is a licensed contractor.
These photographs taken in the Inland Empire by Kristin Hamilton.
If you are looking for a professional and experienced agent, I am just a click away. Google me at Kristin Hamilton-Real Estate Agent. Homeowners and Buyers both will find my services top notch and successful. Call me to sell your home.
I am waiting for your call! 909-557-6966.
This post was authored and or picture was taken by Kristin Hamilton. ©2012, All Rights Reserved, This content may not be reproduced or reprinted (Except for ActiveRain Re-blogging) without express written permission of Kristin Hamilton, Keller Williams Realty, Redlands, CA.
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Need a Great Realtor in San Bernardino & Riverside? Google me here...Kristin Hamilton 909.557.6966.
Kristin Hamilton CDPE, SFR, CHS, BA
Keller Williams RealtyDRE-01492138
909.557.6966
CALL ME AT (909) 557-6966.
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