When it comes time to sell your home, it’s important to prioritize which renovations are worth doing before you sell and which are not. Certain projects are proven to attract high-quality buyers, while the value of others depends on the situation. As a seller, you want to avoid wasting time and money on projects that will go unnoticed or undervalued. Here are a few helpful tips on how to get the most return on your home improvement investment.
Replace your siding. Replacing vinyl siding with stone can dramatically increase the curb appeal of a house. Nothing dates a home more than old vinyl. Even if you can’t afford to replace all of it, you should strongly consider upgrading the most visible portions of your siding. For an even smaller investment, you can simply give your siding a thorough cleaning. Use a mild soap and soft brush to give your house a newer, more attractive look.
Consider painting or replacing your front door. When someone comes to view your home, the front door is a big part of their first impression. If your door has a broken screen or faded wood, it can turn some potential buyers away in a hurry. Having a freshly painted or brand new front door sets a positive tone for everyone who enters your home.
Replace your garage door, too. If your garage door has trouble opening or closing, it might be worth the money to replace or repair it. According to the 2020 Remodeling Cost vs. Value Report, replacing garage doors generates about a 95% return on investment. If you can’t afford to replace your broken garage door, consider having it repaired and applying a fresh coat of paint. You could also add new light fixtures to the sides to give it an up-to-date appearance.
Remodel your kitchen. Some say the kitchen is the heart of the home. It’s where we spend a lot of time cooking, eating and socializing with friends and family. So it makes sense that performing a fews simple upgrades can make a big difference to potential buyers. Start by fixing any broken cabinet doors, painting old or damaged surfaces, adding a nice tile backsplash, and replacing hardware to reflect current styles. If it’s within your budget, you could also replace appliances with newer ones. This lets the buyer know that they won’t have much work to do after they move in, which makes the home much more valuable.
Skip putting in a pool. Swimming pools are very expensive to install and maintain. The investment may not have a positive effect on your home sale because many people simply don’t want a pool. Perhaps they have young children and are concerned about safety, or they don’t want the hassle of maintaining a pool. If you already have one, make sure your pool is clean and fully functional. The return on investment for pools tends to be low, so it’s wise to deploy your resources elsewhere.
Skip replacing flooring. People have different preferences when it comes to flooring, so if you install something a particular buyer doesn’t like, they’ll have to pay to replace it themselves. That may hurt the perceived value of your home. If you have carpet, make sure it is clean. If you have tile flooring, be sure to fix any cracks. But, if you have wood flooring and it’s in decent shape, try cleaning and refinishing it rather than springing for a full replacement. Brand new flooring can quickly eat up your entire renovation budget, with no guarantee of a return.
If you’re trying to figure out how to increase your home value before you sell, these tips are a great place to start. Focus on maximizing curb appeal and making sure everything is clean before showing your property. Remember that the most expensive projects aren’t always the most valuable. Something as simple as adding decorations, like pillows or wall art, can help your house stand out from the crowd!
When you’re ready to put your Texas home on the market, contact the experts at G2 Real Estate Group.
These are great tips! I have fixed up and sold several homes across Texas and would say these tips are sound. One thing you didn’t mention that I have had luck with is replacing old thin windows with energy efficient fresh new ones. The home I did this on was a 1950s build and really updated the look of the house and cut down the use of the HVAC.