Increasing home value is especially important for homeowners that need to receive top offers for their property. Fortunately, there are several cheap and easy ways that can make homes more appealing and valuable to potential buyers.
People need to realize home value is not the same thing as fair market value. Rather, it means how much buyers are willing to pay for amenities. For example, one buyer might find an in-ground pool to be a valuable feature while another might perceive pool maintenance to be an added burden.
People that desire a swimming pool will be more willing to offer the asking price. People that love the house, but hate the pool will generally want to reduce the price. Attempting to figure out what buyers find valuable can be difficult, but can be accomplished by hiring a seasoned real estate agent.
Realtors talk to buyers all the time and understand the amenities many people are interested in. They can take a tour of your home and provide recommendations for receiving better offers. Common fixes include cleaning, painting, and repairing items both inside and outside the house.
It's rarely a wise financial choice to spend a lot of money on home renovation. Property owners almost never get back as much as they put in. A better idea is to let buyers make their own renovations and offer the property at a reduced price. With that said, only you know what is best for your personal situation.
Cheap and easy renovations can substantially improve real estate values. Tossing out junk and debris and giving the house a deep cleaning is a good place to start. Use a power washer to clean exterior siding, fences, doors and windows to perk up the outside. Apply neutral color paint to interior and exterior walls.
Realtors recommend keeping the house in showing condition at all times so prospective buyers can drop by at a moment's notice. Believe it or not, clean houses speak volumes about the overall care provided to the home and can help sellers get a better price. Eliminating unsightly clutter allows buyers to give attention to details of the house instead of being distracted by furnishing and knick-knacks.
Cleaning up the exterior of the property is as essential as taking care of the interior. Showcase features that can be seen from the curb by adding flowers, lighting, or subtle yard ornaments. Make certain pathways and entryways have adequate lighting and are free from debris and clutter. Consider adding a plantar box or decorative sculpture at the front door.
Spend time clearing weeds from flower beds and trim shrubbery. It is believed that people are attracted to the colors of red and yellow, so considering adding a few flower pots along the front of the house. Just be certain to select flowers that don't attract stinging or biting insects.
If your property has metal or wooden fencing make sure everything is installed correctly. Replace or repair loose or broken planks and thoroughly clean the fence. If needed use a power washer or apply a fresh coat of paint.
Get rid of debris, dead leaves, and fallen tree limbs. Eliminating yard waste and creating a beautifully landscaped yard can increase home value without breaking the bank. Consider hiring a landscaping crew to clean up and maintain the property until the house is sold.
Last, but not least, keep in mind there is plenty of real estate for sale so it is essential to take extra steps to make your house stand apart from the rest. While it is sometimes challenging to figure out which amenities people perceive as valuable, nearly everyone appreciates a sparkling clean house that has been taken care of.
Deep cleaning the interior and exterior; adding features to landscaping; and applying new paint are cheap and easy ways to improve home value and can help sellers get better offers.