Putting your home on the market is a huge step towards the next portion of your life: but if you don't make some necessary renovations, you could be leaving tens of thousands of dollars on the table.
These are the top changes to make before selling your home and why they're so important!
Update Your Garage
Our garages are often the last part of our homes that we see when we leave for the day and the first thing we see when we get back, so it's a good idea to create a garage that's welcoming. Take the time to update your garage into a space that allows for storage, hobbies like a workshop, and more. You can do this by adding epoxy-painted concrete floors, replacing the garage door, and adding some shelving for storage.
Buyers are so used to seeing unfinished garages that they’ll be blown away by this attention to detail. Beyond that, replacing a garage door is one of the highest return on investment changes you can make!
Give Your Lawn a Makeover
Update your lawn! A lawn makeover is a fantastic way to change how your property looks and help improve your curb appeal. Nobody wants to pull up to a lawn with tons of dead plants and other issues that can take time to fix.
Spend a weekend or two getting your lawn into shape, and then work to maintain it until you sell. Try to get plants that are native to your area, so you don't have to stress so much about watering them and keeping them alive.
Mini Kitchen and Bathroom Updates
A tiny remodel can often go a long way! Although a major kitchen or bathroom makeover can be extremely impactful, they have a far lower return on investment than mini remodels. Beyond this, they also take a lot more time and can make a distinct decision about the kitchen that future buyers might not like- but might not want to replace it because it's newer.
Small remodels mean tackling a few of the smaller projects that will make these spaces livable and attractive while still leaving room for the buyer to put their fingerprint on the home.
Add Energy Efficient Details
Energy efficiency can make a huge difference in how any property is perceived, so don’t be shocked if buyers ask to see your last three to six months of energy bills. It’s vital that you take the time to insulate your home thoroughly, make sure windows are sealed, and consider installing a smart thermostat.
Clean or Update Your Driveway
What type of driveway does your property have? If your home is a long way from the main road, you may have a dirt road, or if you're in a more expensive neighborhood, you may have a decorative stone driveway, but either way, it's important to consider the condition of it and how it would benefit buyers.
A crush and run driveway are better than plain dirt, and if you have a concrete driveway with cracks in it: it's important to fix that ahead of listing your home. Consider what would make the best impression on buyers.
Deep-clean From Top to Bottom
The last thing someone wants to think about while house hunting is how much gunk and grime is in the grout and shower stall of your bathroom. Any sign that a previous owner has lived there and used these spaces is generally unwelcome.
To stop this from happening, deep clean the home as much as possible. The main spaces to pour your attention into are the bathroom and kitchen, but you should generally try to give this property a fresh slate.
Add Visual Interest
You want your buyers to stop and marvel at the home as they walk through it, so don’t forget to create a home they’ll be stunned by. This means adding visual and physical texture updates, which will stun buyers and make them want to stop and picture their life in a room.
This could be using white shiplap in one of the rooms, or it could mean going with creative molding and woodwork throughout the kitchen. Don’t go too bizarre, but create a space that’s guaranteed to catch the attention of buyers.
Consider Security
Security is a big deal, and if you're updating your home, it's important that you take it seriously. Will buyers feel secure in this new home? You can add details like a doorbell camera and exterior lighting, which will allow buyers to see the property at night.
Adding a fence has a lower return on investment, of only 50%, but if you live in an area with privacy fences and your lawn is one of the few without one- it could be a good idea to invest in one.
Every Property Can Use a Boost!
Whether this is the first home you've sold or you're a seasoned pro, there's a lot that can boost the value of your property. Consider some of these tips!
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