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As real estate professionals, here at the Rivera Group of Keller Williams Realty, we understand that maximizing your home’s value is important whether you’re selling or not. When we invest in our homes, we create livable and desirable spaces. If you’re preparing to sell your home, it’s even more important to focus on the features and functions that add value and appeal to your property.
Depending on the age, location and style of your home, you may need to focus on specific updates to make your property look and feel its best. However, our six ways to maximize your home’s value benefit most properties.
1 – Boost Curb Appeal
It’s true that you only get one chance to make a first impression. Your home’s curb appeal is what people see first. Even if buyers are shopping online, it’s the picture of the front of your home that’s listed first. Don’t skimp on curb appeal!
Start by cleaning up the landscaping. Trim back trees and shrubs to give a clean and crisp entryway. During the warm seasons, plant flowers, hang flower baskets and add containers with plants. Also, mow the lawn regularly to keep grass and weeds at bay.
Repair any damaged gates, fences or lawn furniture. The key is to make your property look well-kept and current. Messy lawns, porches and driveway won’t make a positive impression with potential buyers. Boost curb appeal to boost your home’s value.
2 – Lower Utility Costs
Another way to add value to your home is by creating energy efficiency which will help lower utility costs. While potential buyers won’t see most of these solutions when they tour your home, they still add appeal for buyers. Plus, even if you aren’t planning to move, they help save you money every month.
Invest in solutions like attic insulation, solar panels, programmable thermostats and ENERY STAR® appliances to create energy savings. For older homes, new windows and exterior doors also help increase energy efficiency and save money on energy costs.
For water savings, update your yard’s irrigation system with a smart WaterSense® sprinkler system. Also, switch from a spray sprinkler system to a drip system for a more water efficient solution. Inside, fix leaks, upgrade to low-flow toilets and water-efficient faucets. These modernize your property while lowering utility costs.
3 – Replace the Garage Door
According to the 2018 Cost Versus Value Report, replacing an old garage door with an upscale garage door has a 98% return.1 This is one of the highest returns for any remodel project. A new, upscale garage door not only adds curb appeal, but also increases functionality.
A new, upscale garage door incorporates windows at the top for added appeal. Also, invest in a garage door with a lifetime warranty and heavy-duty galvanized steel tracks. A luxury garage door will have the highest standards in insulation and thermal seals. Overall, a new garage door is a solid investment to maximize your home’s value.
4 – Renovate the Kitchen
Kitchens and bathrooms still sell homes. Not only that, now that many homes incorporate an open floor plan, the kitchen is on display for all to see. According to the 2018 Cost Versus Value Report, a minor kitchen remodel actually offers a better return on your investment than a major kitchen remodel.2 Boosting your home’s value doesn’t have to be overwhelming.
A minor kitchen renovation means that you don’t have to totally gut the kitchen. Instead, you can focus on improving the style of the kitchen with updated cabinet fronts and hardware. Also, upgrade old appliances to new energy efficient models that offer better functionality and design. Invest in the details like new light fixtures, faucets and paint. Overall, potential buyers want a kitchen that’s functional and stylish.
5 – Deep Clean
It won’t cost you much to deep clean your home. At least if you don’t hire the job out. However, it can be a wise choice to pay a company that specializes in deep cleans to do the job. A clean home is more appealing. If you’re planning to sell your home, declutter and clean!
A deep clean includes more than just the regular cleaning tasks. With a deep clean, tasks like cleaning windows, ceiling fans, blinds, vents, cabinets, ovens, refrigerators, grout and more are completed to make your home look and smell its best. Like with boosting curb appeal, a deep clean makes a great first impression when potential buyers enter your home.
6 – Update Paint
Another way to modernize your home and maximize its value is to update both the interior and exterior paint. For the exterior of your home, address any chipped, faded or damaged paint. Sometimes a new paint job is required, but often just touch up paint will make your home look fresh and clean. Again, the idea is to boost curb appeal in order to make a great impression.
For the inside of your home, repaint any walls that have marks or damage. Also, consider painting any rooms that have dramatic colors that may not appeal to most potential buyers. If you’re painting before listing your home for sale, then stick with neutral paint colors. Pay close attention to the trim paint that can easily look scuffed or worn over time. Fresh paint is a quick and affordable way to give your home a facelift and maximize value.
Maximize Your Home’s Value
With a few targeted home improvements, you can position your home to appeal to potential buyers. Focus on projects that maximize your home’s value. Whether you’re moving or just want to enjoy your home more, upgrading your home will make it feel modern and fresh.
At the Rivera Group of Keller Williams Realty, we work with our clients in the Dover, Delaware area to maximize your home’s potential. We help clients buy and sell homes with our years of real estate experience. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.
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