Home Improvement before Selling
Updating your home can increase its resale potential and add to its value. Unless your house is almost new, you would have to make some improvements before putting it up for sale.
Buyers pay a premium for a home that is in top-notch, move-in condition. Cosmetic improvements make your home look as fresh and neutral as possible. There are a few inexpensive techniques that would give your home a higher resale value without costing a fortune.
» Fresh Paint and wallpaper
» Re-grouting tile walls and floors
» Removing or replacing worn-out carpets
» Replacing dated faucets and light fixtures
» Refinishing or repainting the doors
» Updating handles and knobs on kitchen drawers and cabinets
Nothing adds value to a home like improvements to kitchens and bathrooms. Certain home improvements have proven to add value or speed the sale of houses. These include
» Minor kitchen remodeling
» Bathroom remodeling
» Adding central air conditioning to the heating system
» Building a deck or patio
A thousand dollars spent to improve a home that is in good condition, seldom adds a thousand dollars to its sales price. Improvements with low returns are generally ones that appeal to personal tastes. These include
» Swimming Pools
» Fireplaces
» Wet bars
No matter how much you improve any given house, you’re unlikely to sell it for more than 15% above the median price of other houses in the neighborhood. Steer clear of renovations that will cost you money at resale time.