Millions of people across the country choose to sell their homes each year. Whether you’re planning on selling now or years in the future, you’ll obviously want to walk away with as much profit in your pocket as possible. You might want to use it to buy or build a new place, or downgrade to something smaller with a little extra in the bank.
Whatever the case, the best way to make sure your home sells for a fair price is to make updates that can increase your property value.
That doesn’t mean you have to make huge changes or undergo major remodeling phases. Instead, small upgrades can be impactful when they’re done with intentionality.
Home updates won’t just increase the value of your home if you want to sell. They can add value to your neighborhood, positively impact your mortgage, and make it more comfortable and enjoyable for you to live there.
Whether you’re planning on selling right now or not, let’s look at a few home updates that can increase your property value, and how to start implementing these changes.
Clean Up Clutter
It might sound silly, at first, but decluttering your space is actually a great way to boost your property value while improving your comfort and benefitting your mental health. Decluttering is a simple and affordable way to make your home look better – inside and out.
We’ve all heard of “curb appeal” and how important it is to attract potential buyers, so start by considering what you can do to clean up your landscaping. Clearing out any debris, including branches and leaves, is a great start. From there, you can improve the exterior of your home by
Keeping your lawn green and clean
Sprucing up the front porch
Adding fencing
Powerwashing your home exterior
When it comes to your home interior, decluttering can make it easier to see any upgrades or repairs that need to be done. You can also adopt a more minimalistic approach, which many buyers are interested in these days. Decluttering can take a lot of the stress out of selling your home, especially when it’s done responsibly. Consider donating items that someone else could use, recycling what you can, or reusing other items in new, innovative ways.
A clean home will look great when you’re trying to sell. Prospective buyers don’t want to see clutter or personal items when they’re looking at pictures online or taking a tour of your property.
Keep Sustainability in Mind
Nowadays, the average home buyer is more likely to show interest in an eco-friendly home. In fact, one study found that 68% of buyers want an environmentally-friendly home. If you’re already making updates, it’s important to keep sustainability in mind. Your green efforts can help to lower your carbon footprint, decrease your energy bills, and make your home more attractive to potential buyers.
Some of the best energy-friendly renovations you can make include
Installing a smart thermostat
Switching to LED lighting
Investing in energy-efficient windows
Installing solar panels
Sustainable houses are easier to maintain and often more aesthetically pleasing. You’ll love living in your home knowing you’re doing something good for the environment (and saving money!), and a potential buyer will show far more interest in your property, knowing they’ll be able to enjoy those benefits as well. While some sustainable changes might feel like an investment now, you’ll make your money back quickly.
Refresh and Revive
Sometimes, you don’t need to go through major renovations to update your home and boost property value. Instead, take a look at the spaces in your home that are heavily used, and other areas that might be ignored.
For example, do you have a finished basement? Maybe you’ve been using it for storage or as a place to put tools and out-of-season decorations. While that might work for you, it will be more appealing to a buyer if the basement is finished. Nowadays, since more people are working from home, every room in the house should have a specific function. Consider transforming unused spaces into a home office or gym.
When it comes to areas you utilize every day, consider giving them a little TLC. That includes the kitchen and bathroom. They’re two of the most commonly-used places in every home, and you probably don’t often think about how you could upgrade them or how they might appear to someone who wants to buy your property. Sometimes, a fresh coat of paint and a few upgrades to finishes and appliances can go a long way.
No matter when you decide to sell your home, it doesn’t have to take a lot of time, money, or effort to put updates into place that will increase your property value. Try some of the suggestions listed here, enjoy them for yourself, and you’ll feel good about putting up a fair listing price when you’re ready to move on from your property.
