For most homeowners, their home is their single largest investment. So it only makes sense that the items you put into it not only increase your standard of living, but also give you some return on investment (ROI) by increasing the value of your home.
There are numerous things that you could do to make your home more presentable and possibly increase its value, but they may not necessarily give you the most impact. Here are a few things that prospective buyers regard as the most important improvements when shopping for a home to buy:
How to Increase Value to Your Home
1. Kitchen Remodeling
You can ask the best realtors; as well as interior designers and both would agree that a kitchen remodel gives the greatest return. There are a number of things you can do to improve the look and feel of your kitchen, including installing a new backsplash; giving your cabinets a faux-wood finish painting; opting for stainless steel appliances, which can be done gradually as the ones you have wear out; installing an island work space; and hanging a rack for pots and pans.
2. Bathroom Remodeling
The bathroom sees a lot of wear and tear, so you should consider beautifying it and keeping it functional with upgrades, like under-mount sinks, marble or granite counter-tops, wall lighting with no shade around the mirrors, and installing a shower with body sprays (as well as stone surround tile). It also needs to be clean and free of dirt and grime.
3. Improved Hardwood Flooring
Refurbishing your hardwood floors, or replacing them if they’re worn or stained, will enhance both the look and value of your home. You may consider an extravagant display of wide-plank hardware floors in your living room and foyer, and a lighter touch in the bedrooms.
Learn How Hardwood Floors Add Value to Homes
4. Fresh Paint
Consider changing the paint on your kitchen, front door, and other areas to make your home more attractive & appealing. Even consider repainting the exterior of your home.
5. Lighting
Well-placed pools of warm light will make your home inviting and user-friendly.
A recent survey revealed that home buyers were prepared to pay an average of 16 percent more on a property if it had the improvement that they valued the most; plus 73 percent prefer to buy a home where all improvements have been made for them.
Whichever improvements you decide to make, it is important that you don’t forget the simple things, such as de-cluttering, cleaning, and staging your home, as they can impact on your selling price, as well.
