Are you a home seller who is trying to figure out how to sell your property for top dollar? Home sellers have a lot of decisions to make, and they can be overwhelming. One looming decision is often the home makeover. Some may wonder if they even need to bother with renovation while others just wonder how many changes they need to make. This blog is designed to help home sellers understand the best home improvements to make before listing!
Key Home Renovations for Sellers
After speaking with both buyer’s agents and listing agents, we created a comprehensive list of items they recommend for home seller renovations. We were provided with suggestions that heighten home buyer interest and increase home value. Although all of these may not be applicable to each home seller, this list is a great resource to see how you can increase home value.
Paint Walls and Ceilings.
Fresh paint is very important in making your home seem newer and well-maintained. This is more budget-friendly investment and will do wonders for your home.
Invest In New Floors.
Remove your old carpets or outdated tile flooring and opt for a more sleek option. Although hardwood flooring is a popular option, it can be expensive, so we recommend looking into modern plank flooring because it is both polished and affordable. Other great flooring options include Pergo, laminate, nice carpet for bedrooms (no shag carpets, please), and hardwoods (if you are willing to make a larger investment).
Reface Cabinets and Replace Countertops.
Give your kitchen a face lift by refacing your worn or outdated cabinetry and investing in new counter tops. Even if your cabinets are in good shape, it’s amazing the difference fresh paint can make. In terms of counter tops, marble and granite counters are highly sought after, but can be pricey. If you choose a different option, make sure you choose a style that keeps your kitchen looking sleek and refined.
Update Lighting.
Recessed lighting and new light fixtures can really brighten up a room and create a warm ambiance. It’s important to layer your lighting to provide a comfortably lit space. Check out #10 in this article to learn more about layered lighting and how you can use it in your home.
Invest In New Bathroom Vanities.
Switch out your bathroom vanities if they are looking overused or outdated. Bathroom vanities can be quick to grime, so you want to make sure prospective buyers see your space as fresh and clean, not unpleasant and old.
Remove Popcorn Ceilings.
There was a time when popcorn ceilings were popular because they were cost-effective – a rather rueful trend spanning from the 1950’s to early 1978. That time is gone. Get rid of them. If their popularity ended in the 70’s (they were actually banned in the US in 1978 under the Clean Air Act), then you can expect that they will make your home seem outdated. They are also commonly associated with Asbestos, which, needless to say, is not good for your perceived home value. In line with that, outdated wallpaper is another feature that is best removed.
Repaint Base Boards/Crown Molding.
Despite being a frequently overlooked touch-up, cleaning and repainting your base boards and crown molding is a quick fix that can greatly improve the appeal of your home.
Update Appliances & Hardware.
Updated appliances and hardware are very important to home buyers. If you were looking to buy a home, you probably would not want to use a microwave that has been in the house for 20+ years. Updated appliances can significantly increase your home value, especially stainless steel appliances since they make a home more seem more modern. Appliances are a big investment, but they worth it. Additionally, updated hardware for your drawers, doors, and cabinets gives your home a finished touch.
Take Care Of Utility Basics.
A few utilities that are “musts” for many buyers include a water heater, smoke & carbon monoxide detectors, and an air conditioning unit. If your home lacks any of these utilities, you may want to look into adding them to your property. A lack of these features can be a large deterrent.
Increase Home Security.
Security cameras are a great home addition. Having a reliable security system makes buyers feel more comfortable with a space. Although home security is typically not a deal breaker, a good system is definitely a strong selling point – especially for higher end homes.
Add Stylistic Elements.
Less imperative touches that can make a big difference are backyard furniture, a statement front door (make sure it matches the personality of the home!), accent walls, picture windows, and soft interior colors. Simple, stylistic touches reveal a home’s unique features and allow buyers to see your home’s strengths while also imagining its potential.
How To Priorize Renovations
Each home seller’s needs are different, and the list above serves as a resource for renovation ideas. If you have a tighter budget and need to be more selective in your home renovations, we suggest focusing first on walls, ceilings, and floors. Fresh paint and nice floors will make the biggest difference in your home’s first impression to buyers, and you want that impression to be positive. Secondly, focus on kitchen and bathroom renovations. This includes updating appliances and hardware, refacing cabinetry, and investing in new counter tops if yours are outdated or in poor condition.
If you are willing to invest more in your property, we suggest continuing with the other renovations on the list. These suggestions will help you show off your property and increase the home’s value.
We hope this list helps you choose where to begin with home renovations so that you can experience a top-dollar sale!
