If you’re thinking about putting your home on the market, or if you’re having a hard time getting the price you want for your home, there are hundreds of things you can do to increase the value of your home before selling. While many of these projects cost more money than you might have during the selling process, there are plenty of inexpensive ways to help you get the most out of your home! Here are the eight best ways to do just that.
Declutter your Living Spaces
Make your home appear larger instantly by eliminating piles of books, newspapers, clothing, toys, and anything else that clogs up your living spaces and seems to be inhibiting the view of your house’s natural features. This quick project costs nothing, helps immensely during viewings and during the selling process, and it benefits everyone involved.
Give your Kitchen a Facelift
Photo Credit: The Tile Bar
The majority of your DIY projects should be focused on the kitchen, which is considered to be the heart of the home. Rather than splurging on an entire new fitted kitchen, give your existing units a facelift with new fixtures, faucets and taps, and lighting. If you can afford to spend a bit more time and money, install a new shiny oven hood or retile your backsplash with subway tiles or an acrylic alternative that is classy but still interesting.
Check/Update HVAC and Electricals
Before selling your home, it’s important to check on the condition of your HVAC units and other electrical wiring. This could cost you initially but will ultimately save you money on your energy bills, as well as increasing the value of your home. If you want to take it a step further, consider insulation and other energy-saving options such as smart thermostats and solar power (a huge splurge that will drastically increase the value of your property).
Increase Storage Throughout
Built-in storage units and closets are fantastic but are not moveable, so while upgrading and organizing your existing storage spaces (particularly in bedrooms), consider converting other unused spaces throughout your home into new storage. Potential buyers will see what you’ve done with your storage space and envision their own belongings there.
Embrace Open-Plan Living
Open-plan living is highly desirable for most buyers these days, but many old homes are boxed in with far too many rooms and pointless walls. Completely change the look of your home by knocking through non load-bearing walls that separate living spaces or small bedrooms and closets. Surprisingly, these kinds of projects can be done relatively inexpensively and will make your home look and feel bigger.
Revamp your Exterior
Increase the curb appeal of your home by giving potential buyers a taste of the great things that are in store for them when they visit your home. Tidy up disheveled lawns and landscaping, declutter your front yard, porch, and driveway, and give your entryway a new lease on life with a repainted door, new number sign, and inexpensive new lighting. If you can afford to splurge a little, consider adding shutters to your front windows or even giving the exterior of your home a fresh coat of paint. We promise, it will go a long way to increasing the value of your home.
Don’t Forget Bathrooms
Bathroom DIY projects don’t have to break the bank. Inexpensive tile flooring, a quick re-grout around the bath/shower, and new shower heads, toilet seats, and faucets will all give your bathrooms the new look they so desperately need. The best part? There is (usually) no re-plumbing required with these kinds of jobs.
Stage your Home
After completing all of your organizing, decluttering, and DIY projects, give your home a few final touches that will make it feel inviting and desirable to potential buyers. Staged bookshelves, fresh-cut flowers, and even a tray of fresh baked cookies will help add those last few dollars onto your home’s price tag. At Modernize, we believe that little things really do make a difference.
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