What Upgrades Will Increase My Home’s Value?

Once you’ve put your house on the market, you need to make your property stand out. There may be several homes up for sale in the same area. Give potential buyers every reason to consider your residence over the competition.

There are many different kinds of upgrades that can be made to a home. Many of them will add value almost instantaneously. Some alterations are subtle, while others may make the house completely different from what it looked like when you first moved in.

Selling a home in Texas will take time. Even if you have a highly motivated buyer, the process may not be completed for several weeks or months. There are certain steps that must be taken, several of which require the involvement of specialized professionals. You could even encounter unexpected delays or other problems. Determination, persistence and a solid plan of action can help you succeed.

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Here are a few easy upgrades that can add value to your house:

A fresh coat of paint can work wonders sometimes. Homebuyers tend to prefer neutral tones. Adding lighter shades of white, tan, gray or yellow can make spaces feel warm and inviting. You can stick with the same color scheme throughout the interior or mix things up so that every room is different. Just be consistent and try to avoid hues that are distracting, such as very dark or bright colors that can be tough on the eyes.

Planting trees is an easy way to add value to your lot. Trees look nice and can even help save on energy costs. Shade trees are great for warm spring, summer and fall days. They protect from the elements and provide a place to live for birds, chipmunks, squirrels and other animals.

What Features Sell A Home?

Modern stoves, ranges, microwave ovens, dishwashers, dryers, washing machines and refrigerators are energy-efficient. They look nice and reduce a household’s energy bills quickly. There are many different styles and models to choose from that are perfect for almost any budget.

Walls, windows, doors, hallways and other frequently used items should be cleaned thoroughly before and after each open house showing. You can buy or rent a power washer to clean the exterior walls and siding. An exhaustive cleaning of the home’s interior and exterior should take no more than the better part of a day to complete.

Landscaping can be a fun weekend or afternoon project. You can add a touch of color to your yard by adding fresh plants or shrubs. Depending on where you live, you may want to purchase plants that are more resistant to drought. They can endure hot, humid days and still look amazing.

Now is a great time to upgrade the bathrooms in your home. You can add shower systems that use less water, replace the tile or flooring, or install a new sink or toilet. You may want to install low-flow toilets that are attractive and can help homeowners save on their water bills. Replacing light fixtures with energy-efficient models is another nice touch. It shouldn’t cost too much to make these changes which usually have a great return on investment.

What Colors Sell A Home?

Take a few minutes to examine your carpets and rugs. If they’ve seen better days, you can replace them. You can select from newer models or opt for other alternatives such as wood, vinyl or laminate flooring. Your imagination and your budget are your only limitations.

Your lawn should be mowed regularly. Plant new sod or reseed any areas that are patchy or just aren’t growing very well. Trim hedges and remove any loose branches or dead trees on your property. Remember that the lawn is one of the first thing that most people will notice.

Any maintenance or repair issues that have been on your “to-do” list should be addressed before the home has been sold. You can add tasks such as replacing air filters and fixing leaky faucets on your calendars. Pay attention to the condition of your appliances, windows, doors, siding, roof, air conditioner, furnace or heating system and other important items.

Finished basements add more living space. Owners can develop guest rooms, home theater rooms, laundry rooms and much more. Having a finished basement can also increase the asking price for your home.

Lighted walkways and patios and other forms of outdoor lighting are good ways to make guests feel more welcome. You can even install motion activated lights. There are many different kinds of lighting that can be installed and activated quickly.

Decks add more outdoor space for barbecues, birthday parties and other special events. Your deck can be as simple or complex as you want. You can even add enclosures underneath the deck to store your grill, smoker, pool equipment and other outdoor items.

How To Sell A Home Quickly

Fire pits are good central meeting places. They’re ideal for cool spring or fall days. Fire pits don’t take up much space and add value right away. All you need are the materials and a few chairs.

Your garden should be weeded and cleaned up before the first open house showing. Get rid of old plants that aren’t growing and weed when necessary. You can even add a few fresh flowers to provide more color and life.

If you have the space for it, an indoor can be a great investment. Pools are perfect for parties and other gatherings, or if you just want to escape the heat and humidity on a warm summer day. Just make sure that there are no issues with the pool and that it’s drained and cleaned properly as needed. A good pool can last for several generations.

These are just a few of the many things that can add more value to your home. If you’re not sure where to get started, you can talk to your realtor or hire a professional stager or interior designer. They should be able to provide valuable assistance and advice. They may even refer you to professionals who can do most (if not all) of the work for you.

After the transaction has been finalized, you can breathe a sigh of relief. The hard work is finally over. Congratulate yourself on a job well done! It’s time to look ahead to the next phase of your busy life in another location.