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Top 5 ROI Home Updates to Do in 2016 to Help Sell Faster & For More

By
Real Estate Agent with EXP Realty Canada Inc. NSREC# 9421

It's that time of year! It's when many top lists for 2016 come out and the best time to prepare your home for sale if you intend to do so in the near future.

It may feel wrong to invest in a home you are leaving but it will help sell faster in a slow market. Mortgage rates are low and borrowing more on a mortgage makes more sense than taking money out of the monthly cashflow to fund updates. It may also sell for more when your home appeals to the majority of buyers looking for a move in ready home and are willing to pay for it.

According to the Remodeling 2016 Cost vs. Value Report, the following list are five of the best investment choices for home improvements. 

  1. Attic insulation has a 143.8% return on investment. Energy efficiency is top priority for many potential buyers, even more-so in colder climates. Attic insulation goes a long way in reducing heating costs.
  2. Entry door installation (steel) (94.8%): There's no better way to make a great first impression than to be greeted by one of many new door designs that available today. The all important first impression of the exterior will encourage buyers to view positive attributes of your home whereas a bad first impression will influence them to view negative attributes.The front door provides great curb appeal as well as energy efficiency. 
  3. Garage door replacement. (91.6%) Similarly as the  front entry door, there are many garage door designs that will add fabulous curb appeal in addition to energy efficiency. 
  4. Manufactured stone veneer. (86.8%) Adding to fabulous curb appeal, this is a trend item that will strongly influence buyers. Choose from the grey colour pallete. Grey tones are the new neutrals.
  5. Minor kitchen remodel. (83.2%) It's still true that kitchens help sell homes and it doesn't have to cost a lot of money. Simple updates such as changing hardware, light fixtures and faucets can go a long way in emotional appeal. Kitchen organization will also strongly influence buyers.

This list was taken from the New England report because the location has many attributes in common with where I live. 

I hope this helps you. 

MaryBeth Mills Muldowney
TradeWinds Realty Group LLC - Braintree, MA
Massachusetts Broker Owner

Great list I will save it for my Sellers too...I always say let's concentrate on the doorway that your potential Buyers will be coming in, freshen up the door, many times the hardware there is pitted and the storm door (I am in Massachusetts - storm doors are very important for energy efficient operations)

may not close properly - a new storm door is a great investment too.  How many times as Realtors have we stumbled with the lockbox and the Buyer has plenty of time to form a first impression by waiting by the front door! Thanks TINA PARKER!

Jan 09, 2016 11:10 PM
Tina Parker
EXP Realty Canada Inc. - Halifax, NS
Managing Associate Broker

I agree MaryBeth Mills Muldowney, the front door is an integral part of making a good first impression. In addition to the appearance is struggling to open it with poor hardware. Have a great day!

Jan 10, 2016 10:53 PM
Michelle Finnamore
Toronto GTA, Alliston, Newmarket - Vaughan, ON
Preparing your property for sale

Thank you for posting this updated list Tina. It is the first thing most sellers  want to know.... where to start spending money to update their home.

Mar 28, 2016 05:44 AM