If you are planning to sell your home, there is a lot on your plate. After all, you have to think about finding the right sellers, getting an agent, and getting the proper work done. However, it doesn’t have to be as confusing as it seems as it is. Stick to the projects below as a top priority. That way you get the most bang for your buck and get more for your home when you sell:
Floors
One of the first things people notice when talking into your home is the floors. Their feet are going to be touching it from the first moment, so make sure that old residue is cleaned or that part of the floor is replaced. Plastic and vinyl are out, while wood and stone are in right now. They can be a bit expensive to work on, especially if you are switching materials (say carpets to wooden floors), or are covering a large area. But depending on your circumstances, you can see if you qualify for a home improvement loan that can help cover the large costs. According to Low VA Rates, if you’re a veteran, you can also get home improvement loans. There are always options, but just be sure your home improvement will pay off in the end.
Bathroom
Bathroom remodels are big hits. The reason is that a good bathroom remodel can truly transform a home. Damp, leaking, or unappealing bathroom can be a major drag on the showing and price of your home. You should definitely fix, replace, or upgrade the parts of a broken bathroom. For example, for a leaking shower, the sealing process usually involves removing grout and silicon, applying new high-grade epoxy, cleaning any wall grout, applying a flexible seal to wall and wall junctions, seal any gaps, and replace the silicon inside of the shower screen. It can be a bit of a daunting process, so hiring a contractor might be a good idea for certain projects.
People want to feel comfortable and calm in a bathroom. Make sure yours is giving off this effect. If not, it’s time for a change. Furthermore, updated porcelain and fixtures can match whatever trend you are going for. That way, you don’t have colors that clash or styles that cancel each other out.
Kitchen
People gather and eat in kitchens. They invite company over and host parties. Putting money into your kitchen is always a worthwhile investment:
Counters and Lighting
Getting new countertops can be expensive. However, that does not mean they are not worth it. Granite and other fine stones will set your kitchen apart. It will be one of the first things that buyers notice about it. They will imagine themselves using it every day. After all, kitchens are the heart of the home.
Whenever you can, get brighter lights in the kitchen. Dim lighting can be beautiful in particular situations, but not in place of overhead lighting that is supposed to help you see what you are cooking. Opening up the kitchen to let more natural light in can turn an alright kitchen into something absolutely memorable. Opening up light in a room can be done in a ton of ways. You could open up a skylight by tearing out part of the ceiling and up into the roof. Installing a skylight can seem like a bit of a difficult process, but if you have the right tools and equipment, it’s not all that difficult. You could also take down a wall or install a window.
Appliances
Nothing is worse than walking into a lovely looking home and having a fridge or stove that is a deal breaker. While they can get up there in price, they will pay for themselves by not preventing potential buyers from pulling the trigger. They can also be attractive ways to save money on utilities every month.
Roofing
Your roof is one of the areas of the home that is often overlooked. However, it is crucial to have your roof in great shape. If you don’t, you could be a victim of a number of dangers as well as a decreased price for your home when you sell.
Roofs get pests easily. Mice, squirrels, and termites all love to eat your roof in all kinds of weather. If they get in, they can be almost impossible to get out. So makes sure to have your roof treated with the proper chemicals to keep pests at bay. That way, you can demonstrate a roof without damage, wear, or tear.
Another element that affects roofs is the weather. Ice dams can build up in colder climates during the winter. Ice dams occur because of snow on the roof melts enough to become water, but doesn’t leave the roof as it turns to ice. Over time that ice can create a barrier which causes water to build up behind the ice dam. Shingles are meant to shed or remove water and other elements, not store them. So as the water soaks into the shingles it’ll leak into your house. If you suspect water to have entered your roof, you can try to fix it yourself, but it may be in your best interest to bring someone experienced in to help. If this doesn’t get resolved early on, then it will cause long term problems for your home forcing you to undergo heavy renovations.
Fencing
As the saying goes, good fences make good neighbors, and many prospective homeowners want a home with a yard that they can definitively call their own. Adding a fence to your home may not feel like a great return on your investment, but you will get many more potential buyers than you would without a fence. Fences bring a sense of security and possession to your property. Fences don’t have to just be sturdy; they can be stylish as well, adding a distinct flavor to the kind of home you’re showcasing.
Vinyl and PVC fences are reliable, look clean, and have lots of benefits. However, when they break or if something is wrong, it tends to be pretty noticeable. Make sure to replace any missing or broken slats, fractured or cracked supports. You don’t have to invest a lot of your money into a fence in order to get the benefit of having one on your property. Just get a fence within your budget range, maintain it, and make it presentable to prospective buyers. You won’t regret it.
Pest Control
Inspect your home for any invading pests. If you find you have termites then you may have some rather extensive damage that you’ll need to fix before being able to sell your home. If you have rodents or ants you’ll want to be able to get rid of those so that they don’t leave a negative impression with potential buyers when the time comes to put your house on the market. Try to take care of your pest issue a few weeks before trying to sell so that there are no lingering negative effectss. If you have trouble <u>getting your pest issue under control, enlist the help of a professional.
Windows and Doors
Windows are one of the big sellers in homes today. They are one of the few items in a home that affect the inside and outside of your home in various ways. According to Time, remodeling your windows will let you sell your house for more. If you don’t, you could end up with a buyer who won’t budge on their offer.
With windows, start with the front windows facing the driveway. These will be the first impression that someone sees of your physical house itself. Consider getting them painted if they are in excellent condition. If they aren’t, then you could have a range of problems.
For instance, windows and even doors can let cold in during the winter and heat out in summer. This spikes your electricity bill through the roof. Sophisticated buyers will know this.
Getting ready to sell your home can be one of the most stressful situations you will ever go through. However, it doesn’t have to be. If you play your cards right, you can end up getting a lot more for your home than you put in. So do the remodels above and enjoy selling faster and for more than you thought.
Ask us about our Seller Boost Program to help you get some of these projects done for free before you list your home!
