4 Must-Do’s Before You Sell
Are you thinking of selling your home this year? Could it use some minor upgrades before putting it on the market? You’re not alone. Many home owners choose to make improvements to their home before listing. Often the question is, which upgrades will help you get the asking price you’re hoping for? HouseLogic, an informational site created by the National Association of Realtors, put together their list of the “6 Best Time-Tested Remodeling Projects – and the Worst” to help you decide how to spend your home remodeling dollars.
Though it may seem that high-end remodeling projects will instantly increase your home’s value, it won’t yield a very high return on investment (ROI) when selling your home, especially in the short term. Instead, consider focusing more on mid-range, simple upgrades to your home like these:
Upgrading Your Front Door
Upgrading or replacing your front door yields the highest return on investment by far. It is a simple project that is a win-win for you and the next homeowner. Not only does a new front door modify the curb appeal of your home, but it’s a remodeling project that requires little maintenance.
Minor Kitchen Remodel
Simple aesthetic upgrades in your kitchen can add major value to your home. Leave the idea of the high-end remodels you see in magazines behind, and focus more along the lines of upgrading cabinet doors, appliance upgrades or adding a backsplash. Spending a portion of your remodeling budget on the kitchen can bump up your asking price in the future. After all, the kitchen is the heart of the home!
Add a Wooden Deck
Adding a deck to your home not only expands the living space of your home, but also appeals to the love of outdoor living. An addition of a deck to your home yields high return on investment as it is a considerably less cost per square foot than an actual home addition, not to mention, a huge selling point.
New Garage Door
Here is another simple exterior remodel that goes lengths in adding value to your home. Consider replacing your older, two-car garage door with a more updated version to match the rest of your home’s exterior. Again, this is an midrange remodel that will increase the curb appeal and marketability of your home.
HouseLogic’s study also found that previously common home remodels such as the addition of home offices or sunrooms no longer yield a high return on investment. Rather, the simpler remodeling projects mentioned will update your home and increase your home’s value.